ABBOTT PARK, Ill. -- Abbott Laboratories
announced today its current contract with the American Red Cross has been
amended to supply a second infectious disease test for screening donated
blood. Through this amendment, Abbott will now supply the American Red Cross
with the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assay, in addition to continuing
to supply the test for HIV-1/-2 antibodies.
"We're pleased that the American Red Cross has selected our hepatitis B
test for use in their laboratories. Every year 15 million units of blood,
plasma and tissue are screened using Abbott assays. This contract amendment
extends our mutual commitment to ensuring the safety of the blood supply,"
said Joseph M. Nemmers, senior vice president of diagnostic operations at Abbott
Laboratories.
Approximately 8 million volunteer blood donors donate about 15 million
units of whole blood in the United States each year. The American Red Cross
supplies nearly half of the nation's blood supply to patients in more than
3,000 hospitals.
The American Red Cross is dedicated to helping make families and
communities safer at home and around the world. Governed by volunteers and
supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide
network of more than 900 chapters and Blood Services regions dedicated to
saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to
emergencies.
Abbott Laboratories is a global, broad-based healthcare
company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of
pharmaceutical, nutritionals and medical products, including devices and
diagnostics. The company employs more than 70,000 people and markets its
products in more than 130 countries.
Source: Abbott Laboratories
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