What is protein telling us
A donor asks a receptionist, “My protein is low. Does that mean I'm sick?” What should RDS do?
What is refer the question to Phys Sub.
What are the acceptable Hematocrit values for donation?
38-54
A donor's blood pressure is elevated after rushing to the center. What would you do?
Ask donor to return to reception and recheck after 10 minutes. Document both values.
(Refer to Phys Sub as applicable AFTER 2nd reading).
What is a pulse?
The number of heart beats per minute (as reflected by arterial pulsations).
True or False: A person's screening numbers must be exactly the same every time they visit.
No.
The human body changes throughout the day. Small differences can be completely normal.
Name 2 things that causes LOW protein values
Protein intake, Physical Exertion, Meal size, Donation Frequency, Liver/Kidney Function, Inflammation/Illness
A donor asks a receptionist, “My hematocrit is low. Does that mean I'm sick?” What should RDS do?
Refer the question to Phys Sub.
A donor says, “My blood pressure is high because I had coffee.” Should the RDS confirm that this is definitely the reason?
No.
Caffeine can affect blood pressure in some people, but RDS staff should not determine the cause of an individual result. Refer to Phys Sub
Name 2 things that causes HIGH pulse values
Exercise, caffeine, nicotine, pain, dehydration, fever, emotional stress.
A donor is visibly nervous before their screening. Which two measurements can be affected by stress or anxiety?
Blood pressure and Pulse
Name 2 things that causes HIGH protein values
Dehydration, Recent Illness or Infection, Inflammation, Dietary Intake
Name 2 things causes of HIGH Hematocrit Values
Dehydration, Smoking, Dietary Intake, Medical Issues (heart/lung), Altitude.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of what?
What are the arteries?
Pulse tells us how many times the heart beats in how long?
One minute
When a RDS is unsure about a medical screening result, who should they ask?
Phys Sub
What are 2 protein sources
Animal options like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy, as well as plant options like beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds.
Name 2 causes of LOW hematocrit values
Iron deficiency, Mineral/Vitamin deficiency (folate/B12), Frequent donation, Overhydration, Blood Loss, Menstruation, Illness
A donor is nervous about needles and their blood pressure is higher than expected. Can anxiety temporarily affect blood pressure?
Yes
A donor has an unexpected pulse result. Should reception staff tell the donor what medical condition is causing it?
No.
Refer to Phys Sub
A donor asks, “Is my number good or bad?” What should reception avoid doing?
Interpreting or diagnosing the result?
Discuss acceptable ranges, Refer to Phys sub as needed.
Why can frequent plasma donation affect total protein?
Plasma donation removes plasma proteins. The body takes time to replace them.
A single meal does not immediately translate to major increases in circulating protein. Longer-term nutritional status are more important.
Describe what hematocrit is
Blood test measurement that shows the percentage of your total blood volume made up of red blood cells.
Why does blood pressure matter as a screening value for donors?
During the plasmapheresis procedure a fluid shift happens in the body. This can cause fluctuations in bodily functions for donors. We have the guidelines set to ensure donor health, safety and to avoid possibility of adverse reactions.
A donor's pulse is elevated and also reports feeling dizzy. What should you do?
Refer/get a to Phys Sub.
This can be a body response developing.
What document should staff use when they need to know the steps of a procedure?
Standard Operating Procedures.
SOP