The Quality Donor System (QDS) uses an audio-visual touch-screen as the tool to conduct donor self-interviews, and provides pictures and maps to guide the donor through the process.

Talisman says that, because potential blood donors interact directly with the computer in total privacy, they feel more comfortable and answer personal questions more candidly. The system allows donors to complete the interview at their own pace, and also gives them a mechanism to ask questions.

Only minimal training is required to use QDS – staff training takes only two or three hours, and donors need no training. Talisman claims that the accuracy of the donor interview is improved because QDS automates many processes, such as eliminating missed questions or those that need follow up, checking vital signs information, providing instant reference material, and ensuring that all required signatures are in place.

Blood centers are required to use an FDA-regulated error reporting system and, according to the company, previous versions of its QDS reduced FDA-reportable errors by 60%. It expects the current version of QDS to reduce these errors by over 90%.