The blood donor's questionnaire & how to prepare for blood donation

Nigeria has a shortfall of about 73.3% of blood needed annually and the fact that giving blood is still a simple yet effective way to help people in need can not be overemphasized. Finally making up your mind and realizing that you are fit to donate blood is amazing but some people would rather not donate because they heard that awkward questions are asked before donation is made. If you have wondered about how you should prepare for blood donation or have ever been curious as to what to expect before you are bled or what type of blood donor you would like to become, take a moment and find out.

Types of blood donors

Blood donors are divided into three categories: voluntary donors, replacement donors and paid donors. Although all three categories of blood donors add to the blood supply, their reasons for donating and the hazards they may face vary.

1. Voluntary donors: these types of donors donate blood without expecting cash or recognition, they donate out of compassion and a desire to assist others. Incentives such as lunch or t-shirts may be given as a tiny token of thanks. Voluntary donors are seen to be the safest supply of blood since they are less likely to conceal medical history information that could endanger recipients.

2. Replacement donors: These blood donors give blood to replace blood that has been transfused for a particular friend or relative. They help the recipient avoid some of the related medical expenses. Compared to voluntary donation, the selection process could be less stringent.

3. Paid donors: once you have decided to be a paid donor, you will be compensated financially for your blood donation. On this type of donors, strict screening procedures are carried out and they are more likely to conceal important health information because of the financial incentives attached to this type of donation.

How should you prepare for blood donation?

If you feel anxious about giving blood, some of the things you could do in the days leading up to donation to make you feel at ease would include:

• Decide on the day you would like to donate, select a blood bank or donation center of your choice and make an inquiry about the process of donating
• Prioritize your nutrition, eat food rich in iron such as beans, poultry, fish or red meat
• Hydrate, drink plenty of fluid and take time out to rest well
• You may encourage a friend to donate as well and go along with them on the donation day
• Avoid strenuous exercises and working out in the days before donation
• Prepare an outfit with loose fitting sleeves to wear on the donation day

Eligibility

To make a donation, you must be

• Generally well and fit
• Weight 50kg and above
• Between the ages of 17 to 65
• You may not be allowed to donate if you present at the center with a flu, sore throat or any other ailments

Donor's questionnaire

The blood donor's questionnaires are sometimes perceived to have some embarrassing questions but these questions are meant to help certify a donor fit to have their blood screened and if screening is satisfactory, such individuals can donate. The questions are not asked to embarrass or shame potential donors and as such, should be answered with all sincerity.

Donor's questionnaire has segments that may elicit information including: your personal information, your lifestyle, your past and present medical history and risk for infection.

Personal information

• Name
• Age
• Address
• State of origin
• Phone number
• Email
• Whether you are a first time donor or not
• If you are, how many times have you donated before

Lifestyle

Question in this segment may take this form:

• Do you drink alcohol?
• How often do you drink?
• Have you tested positive to HIV or do you think you might be HIV positive?
• Have you had hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Do you think you might be hepatitis positive now?
• Have you ever injected yourself with unprescribed drugs including body building drugs?
• Have you had sex in the last twelve (12) months?
• Have you had a single sex partner or multiple sex partners?
• If yes, do you think your sex partner (s) have had HIV, hepatitis or has injected themselves with unprescribed drugs?
• In the last twelve (12) months, have you had oral or anal sex with a man or woman, with or without condoms?

Past and present medical history

Questions in this section may look like this:

• Have you ever been told not to give blood?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Have you ever had a heart condition or seen the doctor about your heart?
• Do you have a kidney disease?
• Have you ever been admitted to a hospital and why?
• Have you ever been told your blood pressure is too high or too low?
• Do you have asthma? If yes, do you have difficulty breathing at the moment?
• Have you treated malaria in the last four (4) weeks?
• Have you taken pain medication such as aspirin in the last four (4) weeks?
• Have you ever undergone an operation or have hospital investigations and tests done?
• Have you ever received blood before?
• Are you taking any prescribed medications? If yes, what are they for?
• In the last seven (7) days, have you taken any medication including the ones you bought by yourself without prescription?
• In the last seven (7) days, have you seen a doctor, dentist or are planning to see one soon?
• Have you been diagnosed with cruetzfeldt jakob disease?
• For females, have you ever been treated for infertility?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Are you on any family planning methods? If yes, what method?

Risk for infection

This part asks questions that rules out any forms of infection and could be asked like these:

• Have you had any illness, infection or fever in the last two (2) weeks?
• Have you been in contact with anyone with an infectious disease in the last four (4) weeks?
• Have you had any immunization or vaccination in the last eight (8) weeks?
• Have you had any tattoos or piercings in the last twelve (12) months
• Have you ever had jaundice?

What is done with the information you provide?

1. The informations you provide help to ensure your safety as a donor and that of the blood recipient
2. Provided information also enlighten you about any problem or health challenge you might have that will not allow you to donate blood

Before you say “sorry that is a private question,” understand that the questions you may be asked in the pre-donation forms are meant to ensure your safety and that of the recipient. Blood has a limited shelf life and cultivating the habit of regular blood donation might just make you the reason for somebody's heartbeat soon.