Participants were surveyed on number and type of blood fridges and their associated alarms.

• Breakdown of fridges by type and location (including remote fridges)
• Returning cross-matched and flying squad units back to stock
• Alarm testing
• Maintenance and service, details and satisfaction

Selected participants were surveyed on aspects of their laboratory's working practices.

• Current laboratory practices
• Changes to laboratory working practices
• Current Staffing
• Training

Selected participants were surveyed on the their use of platelets.

• Platelet ordering
• Use of HLA matched platelets
• Platelet storage
• Platelet stocks
• Training in use of platelets

Selected participants were surveyed on the their level of mismatching.

• The reasons for mismatching
• The level of mismatching for both donor groups and patient groups

Selected participants were surveyed on how they make the most of being in the BSMS.

• Using the BSMS
• Inventory Management
• Crossmatching Practice

Information was collected from selected participants.

• Reserved stock
• Red cell ordering
• Staffing and training
• Maximum Blood Order Schedule (MSBOS)
• Allocated Stock

The information gathered on red cell ordering was further analysed.

• Reservation period and stock holding
• Accounting for units returned to stock
• Personnel undertaking stock ordering
• Use of SOPs