OrSense cutting-edge technology helps improve donor experience at Hoxworth Blood Center
Are you one of those donors who hates the finger prick before you donate blood? Those pricks are now a thing of the past at Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati.
New screening methods for iron levels: OrSense
OrSense device on person's finger
Hoxworth is beyond excited to announce that we have switched to the OrSense device, similar to a blood pressure cuff for your finger, which measures hemoglobin.
Not only is this more comfortable for the donor, it also is more cost effective and eliminates biohazard waste.
OrSense is a noninvasive device that measures hemoglobin. In addition to eliminating the finger prick, we no longer need alcohol swabs and gauze during the screening process. This innovation is more efficient and cost effective.
Michael Wilson Division director of donor services, Hoxworth Blood Center
OrSense is a ring-shaped sensor that fits over the thumb. Pressure is applied by the sensor and temporarily stops the blood flow to the finger, creating new blood dynamics. The OrSense device can then use a painless signal-to-noise ratio to determine hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is defined as a protein containing iron in red blood cells that carries oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is simply another way to read iron levels, but it is a much more comfortable process for the donor.
The Food and Drug Administration requires all blood donors to complete a screening and mini-physical to make sure they are healthy and eligible to donate blood. Part of that process includes measuring iron levels. One method to check iron levels is called hematocrit. This has been the most common method for decades. Hematocrit looks at the composition of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It is reported as a percentage.
To get that information, a device called UltraCrit pricks the finger to get a small sample of blood. In addition to the UltraCrit device, this method required alcohol swabs, gauze and sometimes bruising and finger pain. But not anymore!
Leading the way in blood bank innovation
Hoxworth Blood Center is proud to improve the donor process, have fewer deferrals and eliminate waste from the old method.
At Hoxworth Blood Center, innovation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a commitment to enhancing the donor experience, improving efficiency and advancing the future of blood banking. By implementing cutting-edge technology like OrSense, we are redefining what it means to donate blood — making the process more comfortable, seamless and donor-friendly. As the first and only community blood center in the region to adopt this groundbreaking screening method, Hoxworth continues to lead the industry with forward-thinking solutions that prioritize both donors and patients.
When you donate with Hoxworth, you’re not just giving blood — you’re partnering with a pioneer in the field, ensuring that life-saving donations are collected with the highest level of care and innovation.
Because at Hoxworth, "Saving Lives Close to Home" starts with leading the way.
Latest UC News
- Metastatic bladder cancer immunotherapy outcomes better with antihistaminesRenal + Urology News highlighted research led by the University of Cincinnati's Alberto Martini that found using antihistamines in patients receiving second-line immunotherapy for a certain bladder cancer may improve outcomes.
- UC Real Estate Center event offers perspective on local, national and global economic issuesHosted by the UC Real Estate Center and PNC Bank, the 31st annual UC/PNC Economic Outlook welcomed more than 300 attendees to The Westin Cincinnati’s Presidential Ballroom on Feb. 14.
- Researchers explore ketogenic diet’s effects on bipolar disorder among adolescents and young adultsThe University of Cincinnati is set to be a site for a pilot study led by UCLA Health to explore whether a ketogenic diet, combined with standard pharmacological treatment, helps improve symptoms in adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder.
- Is Kenwood Towne Centre Ok?Carl Goertemoeller, executive director of the UC Real Estate Center, and Gary Painter, academic director of Lindner’s real estate program, spoke with Cincinnati Magazine about the future of Kenwood Towne Centre.
- Children learn about UC science, engineering majors during visitStudents from the Clifton Area Neighborhood School visit UC to get an introduction to subjects such as science, Classics and engineering.
- LinkedIn for professionals: UC alum shares 4 must-know tipsWhile visiting the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub, LinkedIn enterprise account director Mitchell Phelps broke down four ways for professionals to upgrade their LinkedIn profiles.
