ALL BLOOD DONATIONS MUST NOW BE CHECKED FOR THE ZIKA VIRUS

LifeStream blood bank has started testing all blood donations for the Zika virus, in compliance with FDA recommendations. If potential donors decline to have their blood tested for Zika, they will not be able to give blood. A LifeStream spokesman said testing for the Zika virus ensures the continued safety of the local blood supply. Donors under 18 years of age require signed parental consent to be included in the research program and, therefore, able to donate blood. There is no change to the actual donation procedure. Testing for Zika is done post-donation, at the same time as all other infectious disease testing. For more information, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.