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Community Blood Center
CBC to begin
testing for Zika
FDA advises testing for Zika virus in all donated blood
DAYTON, Ohio – (Friday, Aug. 26, 2016) Community Blood Center is taking
necessary steps to comply with new recommendations issued by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration to protect the blood supply against the
Zika virus.
The FDA today recommended universal testing of all donated whole blood
and blood components for the Zika virus in the U.S. and its
territories. CBC applied in June for use of the investigational new
drug (IND) authorized by the FDA as a blood screening test for
Zika. At the time states with active Zika transmission held the
highest priority for receiving the test and beginning screening.
The FDA is now recommending immediate testing in states and territories
with one or more reported locally acquired mosquito-borne cases of
Zika. Eleven southern and western states must begin testing as
soon as feasible, but no later than four weeks (Sept. 23). All
other states, including Ohio and Indiana, must begin testing as soon as
feasible, but no later than 12 weeks (Nov. 18).
CBC will continue the screening methods in place to defer potential
donors who have traveled to Zika endemic areas in the prior four
weeks. The list of active Zika transmission areas was recently
expanded to include two Florida counties.
CBC is deferring potential donors for 28 days who have traveled to
Florida’s Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County, as well as the
Caribbean, Mexico and Central or South America.
CBC asks all donors to be aware that travel restrictions impact the
available blood supply by further limiting the number of people able to
donate. CBC encourages eligible donors to schedule appointments
and donate when able.
“There is still much uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of
Zika virus transmission,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of
the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “At this time,
the recommendation for testing the entire blood supply will help ensure
that safe blood is available for all individuals who might need
transfusion.”
Testing of donated blood is already underway in Florida and Puerto
Rico, as well as in other areas, and it has shown to be beneficial in
identifying donations infected with Zika virus. Expanded testing will
continue to reduce the risk for transmission of Zika virus through the
U.S. blood supply and will be in effect until the risk of transfusion
transmission of Zika virus is reduced.
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