Fast-breaking News from AABB PulsePoints The following has been reproduced from the December 14, 2006 AABB PulsePoints, an electronic news alert provided by the American Association of Blood Banks.

December 14, 2006
No. 760

Association Bulletin #06-08: Chagas’ Disease

AABB PulsePoints

AABB issued Association Bulletin #06-08 on Dec. 14, 2006, to help facilities determine whether to implement a newly licensed test for antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas’ disease, and the time frame for implementation, as well as to provide guidance for donor and recipient follow-up if the licensed test is used. In addition to background information about the agent and the current status of blood donor screening, the association bulletin includes specific recommendations for those testing repeat reactive for the T. cruzi antibody. The recommendations address topics such as quarantine; lookback; approval for release of components from autologous donors that test repeat reactive; donor deferral, notification and confirmatory testing; and referral of donors for medical evaluation.

To view Association Bulletin #06-08 in its entirety, visit the AABB Web site at www.aabb.org under "Members Area > Association Bulletins."