Can I use an interpreter during blood donation?
The use of an interpreter is possible only in case of sensory disability or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – when the donor has an independent official interpreter available for his or her use.
A visually impaired person may be accompanied by a personal assistant, but the donor and the Blood Service nurse fill in the health status form together.
The safety of the blood donor and blood products is very important and therefore it is necessary that the donor understands what the Blood Service staff are communicating and vice versa.
A blood donor must be able to tell the nurse about their health in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
This means that you must be able to describe, in your own words:
- what kinds of illnesses you have had
- what your current state of health is
You may use translation tools or dictionary apps to check difficult words.
Any difficult parts of the health questionnaire can be completed together with the nurse from the Blood Service.
Any difficult parts of the health questionnaire can be completed together with the nurse from the Blood Service.
Every donor must have the opportunity to independently fill in the health questionnaire and have the interview discussion with a Blood Service nurse.
Last modified: 18.02.2026