Changes are coming to Kentucky Blood Center!
By Dr. Dennis Williams, Kentucky Blood Center’s Medical Director
The blood donation process at Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is being updated, and donors will see changes to registration and screening.
With these new modifications, which begin this winter, donors will be able to do the required health questionnaire electronically instead of filling in the answer bubbles by hand. At KBC donor centers and blood drives, touch-screen tablets will be provided for completing the questions. The electronic registration and screening process will provide an easy-to-use, easy-to-read display. It will also offer a convenient audible version for those who need that assistance. This will allow a paperless donor registration and screening process.
If donors prefer, they may fill out the questionnaire electronically on their computer, tablet or smart phone at home or work on the day of their donation before arriving at the donation site. Donors will use QuickPass to answer the required questions. QuickPass will be accessed through the Kentucky Blood Center website (kybloodcenter.org).
Once the donor completes the questions, a barcode will appear. Donors will have two options to finish the process.
Donors can print the QuickPass barcode and bring it to thecenter or blood drive or they may email the barcode to themselves. Either way, the barcode will be scanned at donor registration, allowing KBC staff to access the completed questionnaire. KBC staff will then follow up on any unanswered questions or ones that require further information.
There is one thing to remember, though, when using a smartphone for QuickPass. Cracks on the screen or screen protector can prevent an accurate barcode scan and may require the donor to have to redo the questions at the donation site.
Another positive change for donors is that KBC will now be able to retain health and travel history information between donations, allowing for faster updates at each screening. This will benefit those who havea number of medications and/or medical issues that must be addressed at every donation. It will also speed up the process for those with extensive travel histories, alleviating the necessity of looking up locations on maps, as is currently done. Initially, though, medical and travel histories will have to be inputted into the system. After that, any new medications or travel will have to be documented.
Donors will also be asked to have their picture taken. Once that is completed, it will be attached to the donor’s record, and going forward returning donors will no longer have to bring in a photo I.D. This will be helpful for those who work in factories, hospitals or schools and others who typically don’t have their driver’s license with them during the work day.
This new software program will not only help donors, it will also benefit the hospitals we serve. The system will help prevent skipped questions, which could result in loss of precious blood donations. It will provide stronger tracking of data related to blood donation for continued process improvement. It reduces human errors, resulting in improved quality and reduced product loss. It also allows KBC to comply with standards and regulations more quickly and efficiently.
I hope you plan to donate soon and give this new process a try.
