Cost Analysis
Nine pRBC units (37.5%) were transported with the Performance cooler
and wasted due to time deviation (Table 4). When extrapolated, that
wasted blood product represents an annual replacement cost of
approximately $3,600 for 18 units to be used over nine recoveries. In
comparison, the ProMed cooler allowed longer maintenance of proper pRBC
storage temperature and eliminated blood wastage costs.
At least two of each type of cooler were purchased to allow continued
OCS lung recovery operation. For example, if one of the coolers were to
be damaged, lost, or in use. Additionally, a set of data loggers was
purchased to accompany each ProMed cooler. It is noted that the
acquisition cost for ProMed coolers was significantly higher than the
Performance coolers (Table 5). However, when the acquisition costs
($1,295) are compared to the ability to eliminate blood wastage
($3,600), the ProMed coolers were found to far surpass their breakeven
cost at one year, with a savings of $2,305. During the same one-year
period, the Performance cooler led to a loss of $3,690.