Fountain Educational Material

Biospecimen Resource Study Information

Your accurate and honest responses to the questions on the collection questionnaire are required to participate in Fountain's Biospecimen Resource study.

  • Each question is necessary to fully evaluate your safety and risk factors with your collected biospecimen.
  • You will not be allowed to participate in the study if you have a risk factor.
  • If you don't understand a question, ask a Fountain team member for assistance.

Your responses are confidential.

Eligibility Determination

To determine if you are eligible to participate in whole blood sample or apheresis platelet collection as part of the Biospecimen Resource study, we will:

  • Ask about your health and medications you are taking or have taken.
  • Ask if you have traveled to or lived in other countries.
  • Ask about your risk for infections that can be transmitted by blood – especially HIV (which is the virus that causes AIDS), and viral hepatitis.
  • Take your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
  • Assess your blood count (hemoglobin level) via a finger stick to make sure it is acceptable before you donate.

If you are eligible for collection, we will:

  • Clean your arm with an antiseptic (Tell us if you have any skin allergies).
  • Use a sterile needle and tubing set to collect your blood and platelets.

We NEVER reuse a needle or tubing set.

HIV/Hepatitis risk factors

HIV and hepatitis are spread mainly by sexual contact with an infected person OR by sharing needles or syringes used by an infected person to inject drugs.


What Happens After Your Donation

Your blood may be tested for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other infections. You will be notified about any positive test result which may affect when you are eligible to participate in the Biospecimen Resource in the future. There are times when your blood is not tested. If this occurs, you may not receive any notification.


Donor Eligibility – Specific Information

Certain infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, can be spread through:

  • Sexual contact
  • Other activities that increase risk
  • Blood transfusion

We will ask specific questions about sexual contact and other activities that may increase risk for these infections.

What do we mean by "sexual contact?"

The words "have sexual contact with" and "sex" are used in some of the questions we will ask you. These questions apply to all of the activities below, whether or not medications, condoms or other protection were used to prevent infection or pregnancy:

  • Vaginal sex (contact between penis and vagina)
  • Oral sex (mouth or tongue on someone's vagina, penis, or anus)
  • Anal sex (contact between penis and anus)

A "new sexual partner" includes the following examples:

  • Having sex with someone for the first time

OR

  • Having had sex with someone in a relationship that ended in the past, and having sex again with that person in the last 3 months

⚠️ DO NOT PARTICIPATE if you:

  • Have EVER taken any medication to treat HIV infection.
  • Have EVER had a positive test for HIV infection.
  • In the past 3 months:
    • Have had sexual contact with a new partner and have had anal sex.
    • Have had sexual contact with more than one partner and have had anal sex.
    • Have had sexual contact with anyone who has ever had a positive test for HIV infection.
    • Have received money, drugs, or other payment for sex.
    • Have used needles to inject drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor.
    • Have had sexual contact with anyone who has received money, drugs, or other payment for sex, or used needles to inject drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by their doctor.
    • Have had syphilis or gonorrhea or been treated for syphilis or gonorrhea.
  • In the past 12 months:
    • Have been in juvenile detention, lockup, jail or prison for 72 hours or more consecutively.
  • Have EVER had Ebola virus infection or disease.

DO NOT PARTICIPATE if you have these symptoms:

These symptoms can be present before you test positive for HIV:

  • Fever
  • Enlarged lymph glands
  • Sore throat
  • Rash

Your blood can transmit infections, including HIV, even if you feel well and all your tests are normal. Even the best tests cannot detect the virus for a period of time after you are infected.

DO NOT PARTICIPATE:

  • If you cannot answer the questionnaire truthfully.
  • If you think you may be at risk for HIV or other infections.
  • If your purpose for donating is to obtain test results for HIV or other infections. Ask us where you can be tested for HIV and other infections.

What are possible side effects with participating in the collection procedure?

Most participants will not experience symptoms after blood sample or apheresis platelet collection, but the following side effects may occur in some cases:

  • Fainting, lightheadedness or nausea
  • Bruising, pain, swelling or prolonged bleeding at the needle insertion site
  • Infection at the needle insertion site
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Rare complications may include nerve irritation, arterial puncture, or severe allergic reaction

What should you do after your collection procedure?

Immediately After Procedure:

  • Keep the pressure bandage on for at least 4 hours to help prevent bleeding.
  • Drink extra fluids to replace those lost (unless your provider has instructed you to restrict fluids).
  • Eat a well-balanced meal.

Managing Bleeding:

If bleeding continues after removing the bandage, apply direct pressure to the site and raise your arm above your head for at least 15 minutes. Check the site every 5 minutes to see if bleeding has stopped.

Activity Restrictions:

Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting with the affected arm for 24 hours.

Managing Bruising, Pain, or Swelling:

  • For the first 24 hours, apply ice to the insertion site.
  • For the next 24 to 48 hours, apply heat if bruising, pain, or swelling persists.

Addressing Fainting or Dizziness:

  • If you feel faint while standing, lie down with your legs elevated or sit with your head between your knees for a few minutes.
  • Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.

🚨 If you experience a life-threatening medical issue (e.g., blood clot, uncontrolled bleeding, shortness of breath, severe chest pain) following your visit, seek immediate emergency medical care or call 911.

For non-emergency medical issues or participant concerns following your visit, please feel free to contact a Fountain team member at support@joinfountain.health.


Iron Deficiency and Maintaining Healthy Iron Levels

We care about your health and want you to know that blood sample and apheresis platelet collection reduces iron stores in your body. For most individuals this has no effect on their health. However, some participants, particularly young females and those undergoing frequent collections, may experience low iron levels.

What are some potential effects of low iron levels?

Low iron levels can manifest as fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and pica (unusual cravings). Low iron frequently coincides with low hemoglobin, which would make you ineligible to participate in collection. At Fountain, we prioritize your well-being by measuring hemoglobin before each collection to ensure individuals with low iron levels do not participate.

What can you do to maintain or increase your iron levels?

To increase your iron intake, focus on a balanced diet rich in iron-containing foods such as red meat, white meat, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and iron-fortified cereals, breads, and pastas. Consider taking a multivitamin with iron or iron supplements. For personalized advice on the appropriate dosage, type, and duration of iron supplementation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

California Law requires that you remain with us for at least 15 minutes after your collection for observation (Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17 § 1002 (b)). Most individuals feel fine during and after a blood sample or apheresis platelet collection, however it is possible to feel dizzy or faint. If you should experience this, our Fountain team members will provide you with necessary medical support and care. Our goal is to ensure that you are safe prior to, during and after your collection with us.