Testing to make blood supply safer.(Brief article)

Australian Doctor,  April, 2007  by Hingston, Chris

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By Chris HIngston

AUSTRALIA'S health ministers have agreed to fund pre-release bacterial testing of all platelets in a bid to ensure the safety of the nation's blood supply.

Currently, only 5% of platelets near the end of their shelf life are tested for the presence of bacteria.

The National Blood Authority will work with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to ensure the testing program is fully implemented by April next year.

In a communique after this month's Australian health ministers' conference, the ministers also indicated in-principle support for a drive ...

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