US blood banks to use genetic testing to reduce viral transmission

Blood banks in the United States have begun phasing in new genetic tests designed to help eradicate viral infections that may occur as a result of transfusions.

The new tests can detect small amounts of nucleic acid from several viruses including hepatitis C and HIV. The testing is expected to be used on all donated blood by September. Previously, blood screening has depended largely on detecting antibodies to viruses in …