Your accurate and honest responses to the questions on the
collection questionnaire are required to participate in
Fountain's Biospecimen Resource study.
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Each question is necessary to fully evaluate your safety
and risk factors with your collected biospecimen.
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You will not be allowed to participate in the study if
you have a risk factor.
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If you don't understand a question, ask a Fountain team
member for assistance.
Your responses are confidential.
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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:
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Ask about your health and medications you are taking or have
taken.
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Ask if you have traveled to or lived in other countries.
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Ask about your risk for infections that can be transmitted by
blood – especially HIV (which is the virus that causes AIDS),
and viral hepatitis.
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Take your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
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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:
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Clean your arm with an antiseptic (Tell us if you have any skin
allergies).
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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:
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Vaginal sex (contact between penis and vagina)
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Oral sex (mouth or tongue on someone's vagina, penis, or anus)
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Anal sex (contact between penis and anus)
A "new sexual partner" includes the following examples:
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Having sex with someone for the first time
OR
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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:
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Have EVER taken any medication
to treat HIV infection.
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Have EVER had a
positive test for HIV infection.
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In the past 3 months:
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Have had sexual contact with a new partner
and have had anal sex.
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Have had sexual contact with more than one partner
and have had anal sex.
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Have had sexual contact with anyone who has ever had
a positive test for HIV infection.
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Have received money, drugs, or other payment for
sex.
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Have used needles to inject drugs, steroids, or
anything not prescribed by your doctor.
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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.
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Have had syphilis or gonorrhea or been treated for
syphilis or gonorrhea.
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In the past 12 months:
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Have been in juvenile detention, lockup, jail or
prison for 72 hours or more consecutively.
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Have EVER had Ebola virus infection or
disease.
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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
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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:
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If you cannot answer the questionnaire truthfully.
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If you think you may be at risk for HIV or other
infections.
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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.
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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
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Bruising, pain, swelling or prolonged bleeding at the needle
insertion site
- Infection at the needle insertion site
- Feeling tired or weak
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Rare complications may include nerve irritation, arterial
puncture, or severe allergic reaction
What should you do after your collection procedure?
Immediately After Procedure:
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Keep the pressure bandage on for at least 4 hours to help
prevent bleeding.
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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:
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For the first 24 hours, apply ice to the insertion site.
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For the next 24 to 48 hours, apply heat if bruising, pain, or
swelling persists.
Addressing Fainting or Dizziness:
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If you feel faint while standing, lie down with your legs
elevated or sit with your head between your knees for a few
minutes.
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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.
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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.
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