Blood supply safety
Keeping transfusion patients and blood donors safe is always the highest priority. The blood supply is safer today than ever before because of donor screening, sophisticated testing, and efficient data management.
Donor Screening
We give donors detailed information about who can and cannot donate blood. We ask them a series of detailed personal questions about medical history, current health and behavior. Every blood donation begins with a thorough questionnaire followed by a private testing procedure to ensure the donor is healthy and qualified to donate.
Sophisticated Testing
Blood testing has become even safer in recent years due to the implementation of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT). NAT is a sensitive gene-based test to screen the blood supply for HIV, hepatitis B and C and West Nile virus.
We also test for ABO blood type and Rh factor, unexpected antibodies to red blood cells, HTLV, and syphilis. Additional tests may be performed to ensure donor or recipient safety, including but not limited to T. cruzi (Chagas’ disease), HLA antibodies, bacteria, and special blood group antigens.
Data Management
Our computer system keeps track of the types of donations each donor participates in and holds a full donation history of each donor. This way we're able to make sure that we're not over-drawing anyone and they're asked the proper questions during their questionnaire and screening process. Our system also provides clear and accurate package labeling so products don't get lost or confused with other products. For more information on the safety of our national blood supply, feel free to visit the sites listed below.
Donor Screening
We give donors detailed information about who can and cannot donate blood. We ask them a series of detailed personal questions about medical history, current health and behavior. Every blood donation begins with a thorough questionnaire followed by a private testing procedure to ensure the donor is healthy and qualified to donate.
Sophisticated Testing
Blood testing has become even safer in recent years due to the implementation of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT). NAT is a sensitive gene-based test to screen the blood supply for HIV, hepatitis B and C and West Nile virus.
We also test for ABO blood type and Rh factor, unexpected antibodies to red blood cells, HTLV, and syphilis. Additional tests may be performed to ensure donor or recipient safety, including but not limited to T. cruzi (Chagas’ disease), HLA antibodies, bacteria, and special blood group antigens.
Data Management
Our computer system keeps track of the types of donations each donor participates in and holds a full donation history of each donor. This way we're able to make sure that we're not over-drawing anyone and they're asked the proper questions during their questionnaire and screening process. Our system also provides clear and accurate package labeling so products don't get lost or confused with other products. For more information on the safety of our national blood supply, feel free to visit the sites listed below.