Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 6, 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA Detected in Blood Donations

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  • Wuhan Blood Center screened donations for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in real-time and retrospectively and found plasma samples positive for viral RNA from 4 asymptomatic donors. 
  • The study suggest that donors should call the blood donation center if they have any COVID-19 symptoms after donating, in case the donation occurred during the COVID-19 incubation period, and donations should be screened for viral RNA with high-sensitivity assays to ensure blood safety.

Chang et al. (Apr 3, 2020). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA Detected in Blood Donations. CDC Emerg Infect Dis https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/7/20-0839_article