FDA approves Zika blood test

By Robert King, Robert King

Published April 04, 2016

Federal regulators approved the use of an experimental test to determine if blood donors have the Zika virus, a few days after Congress probed the Obama administration over the lack of Zika diagnostics.

The Food and Drug Administration approved an investigational test that screens blood donations for the Zika virus, a move regulators say can help ensure blood supplies aren't affected by the outbreak that has spread to more than 50 countries and territories.

Zika is primarily spread by mosquito bites and can cause a mild illness. However, health agencies are worried that the virus may cause birth defects and a rare neurological disorder.

The availability of the blood test can be used in areas where Zika is spreading via mosquito bites, the FDA said.