HHS awards contract to study Zika virus blood screening test

The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a contract to evaluate the effectiveness and sensitivity of an investigational test to screen blood donations for Zika virus. Under the one-year contract with HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the test manufacturer will study blood samples to confirm whether the test accurately and reliably detects Zika virus in donor blood. BARDA Acting Director Richard Hatchett, M.D., called the contract “an important step towards securing the safety of the blood supply in Puerto Rico and in the rest of the United States.” The Food and Drug Administration announced the investigational test last month.