5.2: Information to be obtained from donors by Blood Establishments at every donation

5.2.1: Donor identification

Donors must positively identify themselves by volunteering their name, date of birth and permanent address. The identity of the donor must be recorded and linked to the donation record.

5.2.2: Health and medical history of the donor

The donor's health and medical history, obtained by a questionnaire and a confidential personal interview must be assessed by a suitably trained person. This will include relevant factors that may assist in identifying and screening out persons whose donation could present a health risk to others, such as the possibility of transmitting diseases, or health risks to themselves. Donors must be selected in accordance with the current JPAC Donor Selection Guidelines² which form a constituent part of Chapter 3.

5.2.3: Signature of the donor

The donor must sign the donor questionnaire. This must then be countersigned by the qualified health professional responsible for obtaining the health history confirming that the donor has:

• read and understood the educational materials provided
   
• had an opportunity to ask questions
   
• been provided with satisfactory responses to any questions asked
   
• given informed consent to proceed with the donation process (see Chapter 3)
   
• been informed, in the case of autologous donations, that the donated blood and blood components may not be sufficient for the intended transfusion requirements
   
• acknowledged that all the information provided by the donor is true to the best of their knowledge.

Where a suitable electronic system has been implemented, signatures from the donor and the qualified health professional can be accepted electronically. Any such system must meet quality and regulatory compliance standards, including verification of the identity of the individual signing the document.