Survey Analysis of the Current Blood Donor Interview

Lim, Young Ae; Kim, Myung Hee; Park, Seo Jin; Kim, Eun Jin; Kim, Moon Jung; Min, Hyuk Ki; Kim, Sung Bae; Park, Quehn; Hwang, Yoo Sung

Abstract

BACKGROUND
An objective and standardized interview process is important when screening for healthy blood donors. Our aims were to gather opinions of the interviewing nurses at blood centers on the current donor interview and to suggest improvements to the interview.
METHODS
We conducted an anonymous survey consisting of five questions regarding the donor health questionnaire, which can be found on the reverse side of the donation record card. The survey targeted the interviewing nurses with more than 1 year of experience at collection sites of the Korean Red Cross and the Hanmaum blood centers. The survey was sent out and gathered via mail, fax or email between September and October of 2010.
RESULTS
The average self-deferral rate of donors prior to interview was 7.4%, and 66.7% of the interviewing nurses considered 'taking medicine' as the most common reason for donor self-deferral. The past and current history of disorders was the hardest question for nurses to determine the eligibility of the donors. Having a history of blood transfusion, surgery, tattoo or a piercing procedure, etc. within a year was the most unacceptable reason for deferred donors. The nurses strongly recommended revision of redundant questions as well as re-examining the unsolvable dilemma of questions concerning malaria.
CONCLUSION
According to the survey, this study outlines the perspectives of interviewing nurses at blood centers regarding the rate and reasons for self-deferral of blood donors, the difficulties and the suggestions for improving the current donor interview. The results will be helpful in the future when proposing modifications to the donor interview.