FDA OKs use of test to screen blood donations for Zika virus

The FDA guidance also states that establishments in areas with active Zika transmission may collect locally if a licensed or investigational test for screening donated blood is available.

Once screening of blood donations for Zika virus using the cobas® Zika test begins, blood establishments in Puerto Rico may resume collecting donations of whole blood and blood components. However, the FDA’s recommendations for Zika blood donor deferrals remain in place.