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.

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!

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. In adopting 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.