Mathematical and stochastic models for inventory control in blood banks: literature review

Abstract

This article presents a literature review of the various methodologies used in the construction of some of the most important mathematical and stochastic models that allow the control of inventory in blood banks -perishable product of high impact in the conservation of life of human beings-. This review was carried out using seventy bibliographical references of the most outstanding investigations from the 70’s to date, in which we included the various behaviors of demand and donation, substitution of various types of blood, multiproduct condition of the items, the deterioration and obsolescence of the blood products, the penalties for missing items and the diverse policies that regulate orders. Also, the most prominent models are presented to integrate the supply chain, defined as the best strategy for the optimization of this vital resource. In the end, the gaps not covered in this field of knowledge are highlighted, which constitutes a challenge for future research.