Alabama To Start Zika Screening of Blood Donations

The Zika Virus prompted the FDA to stop the collection of blood in three Florida counties on Thursday.

Unfortunately, it comes on the heels of an announcement by the American Red Cross that our region is facing another critical blood shortage.

Officials with LifeSouth Blood Centers confirm we are approaching another emergency need, and amid Zika concerns, a new Zika test will be introduced to Alabama next week.

Life South's District Community Development Coordinator says anytime there is a disaster or a need in another state and blood centers have to shut down, collection centers are there to help one another.

Officials say Florida will begin using this new FDA-approved Zika screening test Friday, that will be available to Alabama and Georgia donation centers Tuesday.

"It's not going to be an additional stick or anything like that to the donor. When the donor comes in and donates blood it’s just an additional testing that will be done in the lab with the blood that was collected just to make sure, you know, we're always looking for ways to keep our blood supply very safe, as safe as we possibly can,” said Melinda Hinds, district community development coordinator for LifeSouth Blood Centers.

The American Red Cross, Alabama-Central Gulf Coast Region issued the following alert this week:

“At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand.”

Officials want to remind folks that you can't contract Zika through donating blood.

Until the new Zika testing is rolled out Tuesday, Life South will be asking donors additional screening questions, including their recent travel destinations. Those who have recently been to a Zika infested area will be deferred from donating for 28 days. 

http://www.wbrc.com/story/32569134/alabama-to-start-screening-blood-for-zika-virus