FDA Wants All Donated Blood Tested for Zika

On August 26^th, the FDA issued guidance containing revised recommendations to reduce the risk of Zika virus transmission via blood and blood components. The initial guidance was issued on February 16^th, stating that only areas with active Zika transmission screen donated blood. All such areas are now in compliance with that guidance.

“As new scientific and epidemiological information regarding Zika virus has become available, it’s clear that additional precautionary measures are necessary,” said Luciana Borio, M.D., the FDA’s acting chief scientist. “We are issuing revised guidance for immediate implementation in order to help maintain the safety of the U.S. blood supply.”