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# Zika Blood Donation Screen Available: FDA
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/zika-blood-donation-screen-available-fda/
- Published: 2016-03-30T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T20:51:55.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Biologics, #legacy-id-D5135225

> FDA says an investigational test is available for use under an IND to screen donated blood in areas with active mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus. An agency [news release](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm493081.htm?ref=fdaweb.com) says that the Roche Molecular Systems test was developed in close collaboration with FDA.  
>  
> In a 2/18 guidance to blood establishments to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted Zika virus, FDA recommended that areas with active transmission of the virus obtain whole blood and blood components from areas without active virus transmission. As a result of that guidance, the release says, local blood collection in Puerto Rico was suspended and on 3/7 HHS said it had arranged for shipments of blood products from the continental U.S. to Puerto Rico.  
>  
> According to the guidance, establishments in areas with active Zika transmission may collect blood locally if a licensed or investigational test for screening donated blood is available. Once screening of blood donations for Zika virus using the investigational test begins, the agency says, blood establishments in Puerto Rico may resume collecting donations of whole blood and blood components. However, the agency’s recommendations for Zika blood donor deferrals remain in place.