BLOOD DONOR INTERVIEW BOOTHS GO DIGITAL
New technology expected to improve accuracy of medical history information
Newark, DE - Blood donors know the drill. Before giving blood, each person is asked the same 50 questions about their personal and medical history - every time they come in to give blood - no matter how often they donate. Those questions are mandated by the Food and Drug Administration and are designed to protect the blood supply. The donor interview is an important aspect of blood safety that protects donors as well as transfusion recipients.
But now, because of exciting technology that has made its way to the Blood Bank's interview booths, donors will be playing a much more active role in the process.
New software, called Computer Assisted Self-Interviews (CASI), is built into touch-screen laptops in the interview booths. After staff conducts the mini-physicals, donors are now able to answer the pre-donation interview questions electronically. They see the question pop up on the screen, hear the question through headphones, and give their answer by touching the screen. Technicians review the answers afterwards and follow up where necessary. If a donor cannot use the new computer system for any reason, or if they choose not to do so, staff conducts the interview face-to-face.
CASI is expected to make donors feel comfortable answering questions about their medical history, while maintaining and improving the accuracy and completeness of the information - better protecting the health of donors and ensuring the safety of blood products. CASI is now being used in the Blood Bank's Christiana Center and will be phased in at the other centers over the next few months.
