AABB’s Develops Toolkit with Information Regarding Blood Donation & the COVID-19 Outbreak

As the new coronavirus continues to spread affecting an increasing number of countries around the globe and in response to FDA’s Important Information for Blood Establishments Regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak (FDA Communication), AABB has recently developed a useful toolkit with important information about coronavirus and blood donation, in which examples of optional documents that align with FDA’s communication are provided that could be used by blood collection centers, electing to implement optional precautionary measures for blood donors.

The FDA stresses that potential for transmission of COVID-19 by blood and blood components is unknown at this time. However, respiratory viruses, in general, are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus. Routine blood donor screening measures that are already in place should prevent individuals with clinical respiratory infections from donating blood. For example, blood donors must be in good health and have a normal temperature on the day of donation (21 CFR 630.10).

FDA is aware that some blood establishments are considering donor education and/or donor deferral measures in response to COVID-19. As a precaution, blood establishments may wish to consider whether to provide donor education, encourage self-deferral, and manage post-donation information about COVID-19.

To access the AABB’s Toolkit please click here: AABB’s Toolkit on Blood Donation & Coronavirus

Other useful information can be found here: WHO latest updates on the Coronavirus Outbreak