DAYTON – Community Blood Center will begin testing blood donations for the Zika virus on Monday, Nov. 14, in compliance with recommendations issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to protect the blood supply.

In August, the FDA recommended universal testing of all donated whole blood and blood components for the Zika virus in the U.S. and its territories. Ohio and Indiana are among the states that were scheduled to begin testing by Nov. 18 or sooner.

Prior to Nov. 14, 2016 CBC will continue the screening methods in place to defer potential donors for 28 days who have traveled to Zika-endemic areas in the prior four weeks. The list of active Zika transmission areas includes Florida’s Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County, as well as the Caribbean, Mexico and Central or South America.

Beginning Nov. 14, CBC will no longer defer donors for travel to Zika endemic areas.

The new Zika testing system is investigational and all donations submitted for testing are part of a research study. By consenting to give blood donors are agreeing to participate in the research study. The results from the study will help develop better testing systems to protect the blood supply.

CBC will notify the donor if results are positive. Donors with a test result that indicates a Zika infection should discuss the results with their primary care physician. CBC will defer donor with positive test result for 120 days from the date of the test or the resolution of symptoms, whichever time frame is longer.

CBC reminds donors that non-Zika related travel restrictions still apply. They can impact the available blood supply by limiting the number of people able to donate. CBC encourages eligible donors to schedule appointments and donate when able.

Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old with parental consent form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch and blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org.