20 Questions About Pre-donation Screening

Asking donors about their lifestyle is important in order to establish the potential risk to the recipient from blood borne viruses/diseases. By understanding their lifestyle choices, such as sexual activity, drug use, or travel history, we can assess the likelihood of the donor being infected with any blood borne pathogens. This information helps to ensure the safety of the donated blood and minimize the risk of transmitting any diseases to the recipient.

In order for pre-donation screening to be successful, it is important to use positive, open, welcoming, and professional body language. This means maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor, being attentive and engaged, and creating a comfortable and non-judgmental environment for potential donors. Using positive body language helps to establish trust and rapport with individuals, encouraging them to feel more at ease and willing to participate in the screening process. Open and welcoming body language conveys a sense of inclusivity and acceptance, making donors feel valued and respected. Professional body language demonstrates competence and credibility, instilling confidence in the screening process.

Female donors may donate before the 16 week threshold as a one off. They can do this as long as 12 weeks has passed since their last donation and they don't donate more than 3 times over a 12 month period.

The 'critical check point' refers to a specific step or moment in a process where it is crucial to obtain certain information. In this case, when asking the donor for their full name, address, and date of birth, it ensures that the necessary personal details are collected accurately and completely. This information is important for identification purposes and to ensure that the donor meets any age or residency requirements that may be necessary for the process at hand.

The same criteria still needs to be met. Donors can continue to donate regularly until any age (as long as a period of 2 years does not elapse after the age of 70).

Before collecting the capillary sample, it is necessary to set the timer for 15 seconds. This is important because setting the timer ensures that the appropriate amount of time is given for the capillary sample to be collected. This ensures accuracy and consistency in the collection process.

You are able to register before your 17th birthday.

As long as you meet all the other criteria.

The term used for the form is DHC (Donor Health Check). The DHCQ is specific to the questionnaire side of the form.

Females under 20 years of age will need to meet a specific blood volume (worked out by their height and weight) in order to be eligible to donate. For this particular group being over 50kg is not enough even if they have donated before as weight is a changeable factor.

Take the time to discuss 'capacity' with your trainer.

Implied - when they offer their finger to check their iron.
Written - the donor consent signed on the DHC.
Verbal - if they say that they are here to donate or want to donate.

At pre-donation screening, we adhere to confidentiality by using screens to provide privacy between donors, playing music to mask any conversations, maintaining a quiet speaking voice to prevent the disclosure of personal information, and ensuring there is enough space between screens to prevent any accidental overhearing of sensitive information.

It's called a lancet. The pastette is the small pipet instrument used to transfer the blood from the finger to the copper sulphate.

Donors need to be 'fit and well' on the day of donation to reduce the likelihood of them becoming ill following donation. This is important because if a donor is already unwell, their immune system may be compromised and they may be more susceptible to infections or complications after donating blood. Additionally, donors need to be 'fit and well' to minimize the likelihood of collecting a donation containing an infection. If a donor is sick, there is a higher risk of transmitting the infection through the donated blood. Lastly, being 'fit and well' ensures that the recipient receives a safe and quality product, as blood from a healthy donor is less likely to pose any risks or complications.

It's West Nile virus we are concerned about

Try to avoid leading questions as they tend to influence their answer.

The green traffic light card indicates that the donor is okay to donate and needs their iron checking. This suggests that the donor has met the necessary requirements and is eligible to donate blood. The mention of needing their iron checked implies that iron levels are an important factor in determining a donor's suitability. Therefore, the statement is true as it accurately describes the meaning of the green traffic light card in relation to blood donation.