Blood donor collections resume
University Health's Blood Donor Center has completed requirements for testing donors for Zika infection and has resumed collections at University Hospital and at area blood drives.
As of today, Blood Donor Services is collecting whole blood and platelets. Blood drives that were previously scheduled will take place.
In August, the Food and Drug Administration mandated Zika testing for the nation’s blood supply. Our testing processes had to be approved by both by the FDA and Roche Molecular Systems, which manufactures the test
It was a rigorous process, particularly since the Zika test is being implemented under special protocols for experimental procedures. Consent forms had to be updated to state that the test is still considered experimental, and staff members had received additional training.
All of these efforts are to ensure that we are providing the safest blood possible.
Adding the new Zika test brings our total number of blood screening tests for infectious diseases to 11.
Please support Blood Donor Services and consider donating; it takes no more than 30 minutes to donate whole blood.
The Blood Donor Room is located at University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. To schedule an appointment, call 210-358-8180. Donation hours are:
- Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.– 7 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
