Blood donors in areas at risk for Q fever will be tested for the presence of the Q fever bacteria from Monday (15 March). Sanquin, the organization that regulates blood supply, has announced this.
As with a blood donor the Q fever bacteria is found, he is not allowed to donate blood for the time being. The risk of contamination is small, but Sanquin doesn't want to take any risks.
The bacterium can be at an early stage demonstrated by a specially developed test. The Health Council has yet to come up with a sound advice, but Sanquin does not want to wait for that advice.
"It is vital that patients safe blood received," said a spokesperson for Sanquin.
