Tracking the Blood Supply Chain Using Blockchain Technology and Intelligent Automation

Abstract

This chapter explores the integration of blockchain technology and intelligent automation to address long-standing challenges in the global blood supply chain (BSC). The BSC is frequently plagued by fragmentation, traceability gaps, logistical inefficiencies, and compliance hurdles, all of which compromise patient safety and operational efficiency. By combining permissioned blockchains with smart contracts, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, federated learning, and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), this chapter proposes a modular architecture—BloodChain—that enhances transparency, automation, and data privacy across the supply lifecycle. Experimental implementations demonstrate improved traceability, predictive analytics, and compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. The chapter concludes with a discussion on interoperability, governance, and future research directions, offering a blueprint for secure, scalable, and intelligent blood logistics in digital healthcare ecosystems.