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Physical Assessment
Body Exam
The technician should look for evidence of IV drug abuse, skin lesions, discolorations or
other indications of high risk behavior, clinical signs of AIDS, hepatitis, and general condition of
body. Note fresh tattoos or signs of infection.
Eyes (Penlight Exam)
Note any facial swelling, bleeding or discoloration.
Irrigate the eyes with ophthalmic solution (BSS)
*This will wash away any matter on the epithelial surface.
Use a penlight at an angle to look for abrasions, signs of infection, infiltrates, foreign bodies,
scars, defects or previous surgeries.
Check for contact lenses, debris, lid infections and general disposition of the cornea.
Check the sclera and note coloring. Yellow/jaundice should be noted, but does not indicate
hepatitis.
* Many corneal defects can be observed upon penlight examination.
Note all findings on the Physical Assessment Form.
Mouth
Use a tongue blade and penlight to inspect mucous membranes, gums, and tongue. White spots
indicate a fungal infection related to AIDS, bluish spots might be Kaposi sarcoma.
Neck
Palpate neck for swollen lymph glands.
Torso
Note clinical venipuncture sites. Check for rashes, tattoos, body piercing, enlarged liver, needle
track marks. Documentation of any of these findings may indicate viral hepatitis, AIDS or high
risk behavior.
Extremities
Note clinical venipuncture sites. Check webs between fingers and toes, under nails, behind
knees and along arms for evidence of IV drug use. Note discoloration and tattoos.
Genitalia
Check for ulcers, warts, lesions, and piercing. Documentation of these findings could indicate
STD – herpes, syphilis, and genital ulcerative diseases.
Rectal Area
Inspect for warts and anal intercourse
Summary:
It is important to document any and all findings on the Physical Assessment Form. If the
donor’s physical assessment is unremarkable state so. EBAA Medical Standards and FDS
require a thorough physical assessment and for it to be documented on the Physical
Assessment Form.