LifeStream Blood Bank Tests For Zika Virus

ALL> LifeStream blood bank is testing all collections for traces of the Zika virus, in compliance with a recent recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “While the test is not yet FDA-approved, tens of thousands of blood donors in Puerto Rico and the Southern United States have already been screened effectively using this very sensitive technology,” said Dr. Joe Chaffin, LifeStream’s chief medical officer. All potential donors are informed that their blood will be tested as part of a Zika research program. They also are asked at registration to review a “Zika Virus Research Information” sheet and the “Blood Donor Bill of Rights.” Donors under 18 years of age require signed parental consent to be included in the research program and, therefore, they are able to donate blood. If a potential donor declines to have his/her blood tested for Zika, he/she will not be able to give blood. While LifeStream recognizes the right of donors to make this choice, Chaffin said making blood donation contingent on Zika testing helps ensure the continued safety of the local blood supply and is in compliance with FDA guidance. There is no change to the actual donation procedure. Testing for Zika is done post-donation, at the same time as all other infectious disease testing performed on blood samples from every donation. LifeStream provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals. For more information, call 800-879-4484.