NoBlood

Infection Tainting America's Blood Supply?


FDA Concerned About Parasite Entering States
POSTED: 5:14 p.m. PST November 18, 2003

SAN DIEGO -- Is America's blood supply at risk? That is the question the Food and Drug Administration is asking after Chagas disease -- an infection from Latin America -- showed up in the United States in higher numbers.

Millions of people donate blood, but not before being screened and tested for AIDS, hepatitis and more, 10News reported.

There is concern over the potential of an infectious parasite getting into the blood supply from those who either lived or traveled in rural areas of South and Central America and southern Mexico.

Lynn Stedd, from the San Diego Blood Bank, said, "We've known about Chagas for many, many years. In fact, there has been a serologic test for Chagas for a long time."

But, there is no standardized screening, which leads the FDA to worry that with more people coming to the states from those areas, the chance of spreading it to the blood supply may increase.

Chagas is rare in the United States. In fact, the very process to store blood helps keep the parasite in check, 10News reported.

In order to be preserved, blood must be chilled at 35 to 45 degrees. Blood platelets are not chilled, but extensive screening helps eliminate potential problems.

Only nine cases of Chagas, which can be fatal, have been documented of being transmitted by transfusion over the last 20 years. Immigrants in cities like Miami and Los Angeles have increased the overall risk, 10News reported.

"We have put so many sensitive tests in place now that getting a blood transfusion is life-saving and necessary. No one should feel uncomfortable about (Chagas)," Stedd told 10News.

Though the disease is rare, the FDA hopes to have a standardized test for it in about a year.

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Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
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