Blood Donation Gone Digital

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Madison, WI (January 2, 2007) – American Red Cross blood donors know the screening and documentation process is thorough – a necessary practice to ensure an individual is healthy enough to donate and their blood is safe to be transfused to a patient. However, the methods by which the screening is conducted and the information recorded are changing for the better with the advent of self-administered health histories and ePhlebotomy – two advancements in donor screening and documentation to help ensure donor and patient safety, and improve the donation experience.

In a typical blood donation screening process Red Cross phlebotomists ask a series of questions about the donor’s health history, lifestyle practices and travel choices. Their blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin (iron) level are also checked. However, self-administered health history stations now allow donors to answer the same series of eligibility questions previously asked by the phlebotomist via a computer. Not only does the added privacy give the donor the confidence to answer the questions honestly, it eliminates the chance for miscommunication between the donor and phlebotomist and can reduce the time it takes to donate.

Once the actual blood donation process begins, the phlebotomist previously recorded donor and donation information on a paper form attached to a clip board. ePhlebotomy eliminates the need for a form by using a device similar to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) to record and store donor information during the donation process. The wireless handheld ePhlebotomy device uses a barcode scanner to electronically link the donor’s information to the corresponding blood collection bag and test tubes, and automatically records essential information that was previously recorded by hand. This digital record keeping helps ensure all documentation is complete and accurate, eliminating the possibility of illegible handwriting or misspelled words.

Self-administered health histories and ePhlebotomy are just two recent examples of the American Red Cross’ continued commitment to the safety of the blood supply and a positive blood donation experience. Eligible donors are encouraged to experience the technology for themselves and help to save lives by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or online at givebloodgivelife.org to make a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed.  

ABOUT THE RED CROSS
The Mid-America Division of the American Red Cross relies on the generosity of more than 800,000 volunteer blood donors, nearly 6,200 blood drive coordinators and more than 1,800 employees to collect the blood that helps save thousands of lives each year. Together the Blood Services regions supply blood products to more than 250 hospitals in 10 states and across the nation. The Mid-America Division is one of 10 Red Cross Blood Services divisions located throughout the United States. Together, these divisions collect nearly half the nation’s blood supply.

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