AABB Releases Screening Blood Donors: Science, Reason, 
and the Donor History Questionnaire

Bethesda, Md. – AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) today announced the release of Screening Blood Donors: Science, Reason, and the Donor History Questionnaire, a 287-page, soft-cover reference guide from AABB Press created to provide blood center administrators and staff with the framework on which to assess donor health history. 

“Every day blood center staff must evaluate responses to health screening questions from prospective blood donors and use that information to make eligibility decisions that help protect the safety of donors and the patients who may need a blood transfusion,” said Anne Eder, MD, PhD, co-editor of this publication. “Screening Blood Donors reviews the available literature, provides insight into evaluating health history and augments the materials that currently accompany the donor history questionnaire (DHQ), thereby enabling blood collection staff to make more informed decisions.”

Screening Blood Donors offers a historical perspective on donor health history assessment and a description of the evolution of the DHQ, which is currently in use at most of the blood collection facilities in the United States.  Part I addresses the questions about medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, hemostatic disorders and cancer) and medications for which there are currently few or no regulations.  Part II covers the questions about risk behaviors for infectious diseases known to be or potentially transmitted by blood transfusion that are specifically addressed by federal regulations or AABB standards.  Part III explores the management of postdonation information and the evaluation of previously deferred individuals for reentry or reinstatement as blood donors.

Should editors wish to obtain a complimentary copy of Screening Blood Donors: Science, Reason, and the Donor History Questionnaire, please contact Tiffani Collins, +1.301.215.6590 or tcollins@aabb.org.   To view the entire AABB publications catalogue, visit www.aabb.org or call +1.866.222.2498.

AABB is the premier publisher for information relevant to the transfusion medicine and cellular therapy field.  Each book in AABB’s distinctive collection has been developed based on AABB’s quality standards and understanding of topics that are of significant interest to professionals involved within the transfusion medicine and cellular therapy community. 

About AABB

Established in 1947, AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) is an international, not-for-profit association dedicated to the advancement of science and the practice of transfusion medicine and related biological therapies.  The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs and services to optimize patient and donor care and safety.  AABB membership consists of approximately 1,800 institutions and 8,000 individuals, including physicians, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, nurses, researchers, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel.  Members are located in all 50 states and 80 countries.

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