Blood donor questionnaire and declaration
Blood donation within Australia
The supply of blood and blood products relies on the donation of blood. In Australia, the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood) is responsible for all blood donations, under a contract with the National Blood Authority.
To ensure the safety of blood donors and the Australian blood supply, Lifeblood uses a donor questionnaire to assess the suitability of individuals to undergo blood donation and to screen for potential risks that could affect the quality and safety of donated blood products. Donations are also tested for evidence of infectious diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. As part of the blood donation process, donors are required to make a declaration that the information they provide is given honestly and to the best of their knowledge, and they are informed that making false and misleading declarations has criminal consequences.
Legal requirements for blood donation within WA
In Western Australia, a person is prohibited from taking any blood intended for therapeutic use, or knowingly accepting for donation any such blood, unless the donor has made a declaration using a form approved by the Blood and Tissue (Transmissible Diseases) Regulations 1985 (WA) within the 12 hours preceding the donation of blood. There are penalties including fines and imprisonment for anyone providing false and misleading information within the declaration.
It is important that every donor who signs a donor declaration is aware that they are laying themselves open to criminal charges if any information provided within their declaration is untrue under S.170 of the Criminal Code 1918 (WA).
WA’s approved donor declaration
Donor questionnaire (PDF 200KB)
More information
Lifeblood have developed a wide range of information for blood donors available on the Lifeblood website (external site).
Alternatively, you can telephone Lifeblood on 13 14 95.
If you have any questions relating to WA regulatory framework, please contact bloodmanagement@health.wa.gov.au or telephone (08) 6373 2321.
Last reviewed: 27-01-2023
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.