Update on Canine and Feline Blood Donor Screening for Blood-Borne Pathogens

Wardrop, K.J.; Birkenheuer, A.; Blais, M.C.; Callan, M.B.; Kohn, B.; Lappin, M.R.; Sykes, J.

Of these pathogens, E. canis is of greatest importance for blood donor screening because of its high prevalence worldwide and its propensity to cause chronic, persistent infections. Recent studies suggest that E. ewingii also is capable of causing persistent infection in dogs, 27 but it has a more restricted geographic distribution. Experi- Table 3 . Laboratories a offering point of care or laboratory-based assays for potential use in screening blood donors. The laboratories selected for inclusion either provide standard operating procedures for critical review, have published peer reviewed articles documenting quality control and assay specifics, are standard operating procedures monitored state-accredited laboratories, are laboratories producing kits licensed by the USDA, or are laboratories that panel members have worked with directly providing evidence of quality assurance. This is not meant as an exhaustive list and many other laboratories, especially state accredited laboratories, also provide quality laboratory services.