A robust integrated logistics model for age-based multi-group platelets in disaster relief operations

In Disaster Relief Operations (DRO), very often a lack of integration of the blood supply chain results in increased costs and higher blood shortage levels. This paper proposes a fully integrated logistics network that allows blood regional units, hospitals, and temporary emergency shelters to share multi-type platelets in both horizontal and vertical manner. This model not only allocates multi-type platelets to patients according to ABO/Rh(d)-compatible blood substitutions but also considers a three-layer logistics network for platelets that accounts for the impact of the age of the platelets on the suitability for different types of injuries. To efficiently solve the model and generate a Pareto front for large-scale instances of the problem, and multiple scenarios, we employ Lagrangian relaxation and the augmented epsilon-constraint method. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the proposed solution approach and derive practical insights, we apply it to a case study based on data about a possible earthquake in Tehran, Iran, and conduct some sensitivity analysis.