Other nations around the globe have implemented safeguards similar to those enacted in the UK including leukocyte reduction and donor deferral. Many nations ban blood donations from people who lived or visited countries where BSE infected cattle have been found.
These donor deferral measures have put increased pressures on the availability of adequate supply of blood for transfusion. As the donor population becomes even more limited with each additional residency deferral, it further reduces the potential number of people giving blood and can result in serious blood shortages.
Despite all these safeguards, the risk of vCJD transmission via blood transfusion has not been eliminated. There is no cure for vCJD and treatment is palliative to reduce patient suffering.
Janet Gibbs, Chair of the Human BSE Foundation whose daughter died from vCJD says, "Knowing the devastating effect that vCJD can have, the Human BSE Foundation fully supports any innovations that could potentially save anyone from the suffering we had to endure." She also notes that although we should hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst and take every measure available today to safeguard the blood supply.
Pall Corporation developed the Leukotrap Affinity Prion filter to help blood authorities around the world stop the transmission of prions as part of the Company's mission to ensure the safety of the global blood supply. The adoption of the new prion reduction filter has the potential to support the global need for adequate supplies of safe blood for the benefit of the public health. Pall is continuing its prion research and development program to apply its t
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Source:Pall Corporation