COMPUTER INTERVIEW FOR SCREENING BLOOD-DONORS FOR RISK OF HIV TRANSMISSION

To test the ability of a computer-based interview to detect factors re lated to the risk of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among pote ntial blood donors, and to determine donor reactions to the use of the computer, we compared the rate of detection of HIV-related factors el icited by the computer interview with the rate elicited by standard Am erican Red Cross procedures (written questionnaires and face-to-face i nterviews) for assessment of donor suitability. The study was performe d at a Red Cross blood donor center and a hospital. A consecutive samp le of 294 male and female blood donors 18 to 75 years of age participa ted in a randomized crossover trial in which the order of the two meth ods was reversed. Among 272 prospective donors who provided complete d ata, the computer identified 12 who reported either behavior associate d with a risk of acquiring HIV or symptoms compatible with AIDS. None of these 12 was so identified by face-to-face interviews or written qu estionnaires. Only one used the confidential unit exclusion procedure to prevent use of his donated blood. Tests for antibody to HIV were ne gative in blood from all 272 subjects. The subjects enjoyed the comput er interview and judged it to be more private than the standard method for donor assessment.