BBSN Pushes AI and Digital Transformation in Blood Transfusion Services
The Blood Bank Society of Nigeria (BBSN) Lagos has called for urgent integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies into blood transfusion services. The position was highlighted at the Association’s 13th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at the College of Medicine, Lagos State University (LASUCOM), Ikeja. The event was chaired by Mr. Olumuyiwa Onaneye, National Vice President, Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD).
The conference theme was “AI and Digital Revolution in Blood Transfusion Services.”
Mr Wasiu Awojole
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Mr. Wasiu Awojole, reminded practitioners that each unit of blood represents a life and a responsibility. He said adopting artificial intelligence and digital tools is no longer optional but essential for safer, faster, and more efficient transfusion services.
Mr. Anorue Chima
BBSN Chairman, Mr. Anorue Chima Joseph, in his welcome address, thanked contributors to the conference and urged members to position themselves for the coming technological shifts in the sector.
The chairman of the occasion also urged blood bankers to fully embrace innovation to strengthen the transfusion system in Lagos State.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Air Cdre E. A. Akinwade (Rtd), Dr. Jimmy Arugbabuwo, Dr. Toyosi Y. Raheem (National President, AFMLSN), Chairman GMLD Lagos, Adekoya Abimbola Julius, Chairman AFMLSN Lagos, Mrs. Oluwakemi Adejare, and immediate past Chairman BBSN Lagos, Dr. Thomas Fabunmi.
Dr N.O. Ogidi
The Guest Speaker, Professor Muhibi Musa Abidemi—represented by Dr. N. O. Ogidi—reviewed the major developments in transfusion practice from the 20th century, including component therapy, expanded infectious disease testing, rising demand for blood products, and advances in immunohaematology.
Dr. Ogidi outlined the key benefits of AI and digital systems in transfusion services: improved safety and accuracy, faster workflow, better inventory management, enhanced donor and patient experience, and reduction in errors and wastage.
Dr. Bodunrin I. Osikomaiya
Dr. Bodunrin I. Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, delivered a paper titled “Tackling Inconsistency, Building Conformity.” She highlighted critical points where inconsistencies occur from donor recruitment to blood collection, screening, component preparation, storage, transportation, issuance, transfusion, and overall quality management.
Other presentations included:
- Dr. Ibikunle Margret Olufemi – Enhancing Transfusion Safety: The Role of Antibody Screening and Extended Antigen Typing
- Mr. Afolabi Adebayo Sarafa – Preparing for Retirement and Old Age
- Mrs. Adegoke Oluyemisi – Practical Haemovigilance, Laboratory Investigations, and Transfusion Reactions
The conference reaffirmed BBSN’s position that modern transfusion services must be driven by technology, backed by skilled personnel, and guided by consistent standards across the entire value chain.