Zika virus infection blood donation
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Zika virus may be detected in blood for a short period of time. Although rare, reports of Zika virus transmission via blood transfusions have been described. The risk of Zika virus infection in the continental USA due to blood transfusion is extremely low. The Red Cross and British National Health Service Blood and Transplant Agency announced that individuals who traveled to Zika-affected regions would be ineligible to donate blood for at least 28 days. The Canadian Blood Agency announced that individuals who traveled to Zika-affected regions would be ineligible to donate blood for at least 3 weeks (21 days). The U.S. FDA has announced that a blood donation policy is being considered, but no new measures have been announced.
Blood Donation
- Zika virus may be detected in blood for a short period of time. Although rare, reports of Zika virus transmission via blood transfusions have been described.
- The risk of Zika virus infection in the continental USA due to blood transfusion is extremely low.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (28 days)
- Food and Drug Administration issued a new guidance recommending the deferral of individuals from donating blood if they have been to areas with active Zika virus transmission, potentially have been exposed to the virus, or have had a confirmed Zika virus infection [2].
- FDA is recommending that blood establishments defer blood donations from individuals in accordance with the following guidance:
- In areas without active Zika virus transmission, the FDA recommends that donors at risk for Zika virus infection be deferred for four weeks.
- Individuals considered to be at risk include:
- Those who have had symptoms suggestive of Zika virus infection during the past four weeks
- Those who have had sexual contact with a person who has traveled to, or resided in, an area with active Zika virus transmission during the prior three months
- Those who have traveled to areas with active transmission of Zika virus during the past four weeks
- In areas with active Zika virus transmission, the FDA recommends that Whole Blood and blood components for transfusion be obtained from areas of the U.S. without active transmission.
- Blood establishments may continue collecting and preparing platelets and plasma if an FDA-approved, pathogen-reduction device is used.
- The guidance also recommends blood establishments update donor education materials with information about Zika virus signs and symptoms and ask potentially affected donors to refrain from giving blood.
Red Cross (28 Days)
- The Red Cross announced that individuals who traveled to Zika-affected regions would be ineligible to donate blood for at least 28 days.[3]
- If an individual donates blood and develops symptoms of Zika virus within 14 days of donation, he/she is asked to notify thet Red Cross immediately.
British National Health Service Blood and Transplant Agency (28 Days)
- The British National Health Service Blood and Transplant Agency announced that individuals who traveled to Zika-affected regions would be ineligible to donate blood for at least 28 days.[4]
Canadian Blood Agency (21 Days)
- The Canadian Blood Agency announced that individuals who traveled to Zika-affected regions would be ineligible to donate blood for at least 3 weeks (21 days).[5]