Because Zika virus (ZIKV) has been identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a relevant communicable disease agent or disease, with potential for transmission by human tissue intended for transplantation, BTR is implementing appropriate donor screening measures.

Currently, there is no donor antibody screening test for ZIKV. Therefore, BTR’s donor screening procedures have been enhanced to indicate that a potential donor is free from risk factors for, or clinical evidence of, ZIKV infection. BTR’s donor screening criteria and procedures are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of ZIKV by human tissue intended for transplantation.

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Additional information about ZIKV is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html