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.