Blood Bank implements new test
Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The Siouxland Community Blood Bank recently implemented a new test for Chagas Disease which has placed the blood bank on the cutting edge in the implementation of this test among blood centers across the country.
The Siouxland Community Blood Bank recently implemented a new test for Chagas Disease which has placed the blood bank on the cutting edge in the implementation of this test among blood centers across the country.
The new voluntary test for every blood product collected is among the extensive testing already utilized.
"In testing for Chagas disease, we are taking a preventative step to protect the community blood supply," said Janette Twait, CEO of the Siouxland Community Blood Bank. "Keeping up to date on technology and testing allows us to sustain a safe and dependable blood supply, which is the Siouxland Community Blood Bank's highest priority."
Chagas Disease originated with a parasite in rural Latin America and the disease can be spread from current carriers through blood, including through blood transfusions. The disease can go unrecognized; however, it is a life long disease that affects the heart and intestinal tract.
Although Chagas Disease is not a major threat currently, with only 12 confirmed cases in the United States and Canada, the Siouxland Community Blood Bank takes precedence in maintaining a safe blood supply for patients in the 36 area hospitals that it serves.
"The introduction of testing for Chagas Disease adds one more measure to those already taken by the Siouxland Community Blood Bank and other members of the blood bank industry to provide the safest blood possible to hospitals and patients." stated Dr. Michael Kafka, medical director at the Siouxland Community Blood Bank. "Even though testing for Chagas Disease is not currently mandated by the Food and Drug Administration, the Siouxland Community Blood Bank is voluntarily undertaking the testing to improve patient safety."
The Siouxland Community Blood Bank recently implemented a new test for Chagas Disease which has placed the blood bank on the cutting edge in the implementation of this test among blood centers across the country.
The new voluntary test for every blood product collected is among the extensive testing already utilized.
"In testing for Chagas disease, we are taking a preventative step to protect the community blood supply," said Janette Twait, CEO of the Siouxland Community Blood Bank. "Keeping up to date on technology and testing allows us to sustain a safe and dependable blood supply, which is the Siouxland Community Blood Bank's highest priority."
Chagas Disease originated with a parasite in rural Latin America and the disease can be spread from current carriers through blood, including through blood transfusions. The disease can go unrecognized; however, it is a life long disease that affects the heart and intestinal tract.
Although Chagas Disease is not a major threat currently, with only 12 confirmed cases in the United States and Canada, the Siouxland Community Blood Bank takes precedence in maintaining a safe blood supply for patients in the 36 area hospitals that it serves.
"The introduction of testing for Chagas Disease adds one more measure to those already taken by the Siouxland Community Blood Bank and other members of the blood bank industry to provide the safest blood possible to hospitals and patients." stated Dr. Michael Kafka, medical director at the Siouxland Community Blood Bank. "Even though testing for Chagas Disease is not currently mandated by the Food and Drug Administration, the Siouxland Community Blood Bank is voluntarily undertaking the testing to improve patient safety."
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Barb wrote on Apr 27, 2007 4:21 PM: