Abbott inks deal to test blood donations in Japan

Abbott (NYSE:ABT) said today that it has been selected by the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRC) to partner in screening the country’s blood donations.

The eight-year contract is for the exclusive supply of serological instrumentation, tests, and consumables used for blood and plasma screening. The JRC screens approximately 5 million blood donations each year, helping ensure a safe supply of products needed for blood transfusions and plasma therapies. Abbott products are used to screen more than 60% of the world’s blood and plasma supply, according to a company statement.

Abbott said it will provide the JRC with its technology, medical and scientific research, and expertise in efficiency through lab automation. The JRC will screen each donation across eight distinct assays, including hepatitis and retrovirus analysis.

“Abbott is excited and proud to enter into a long-term partnership with the Japanese Red Cross, a global leader in blood and plasma screening,” said Lou Morrone, the company’s vice president of transfusion medicine. “This new collaboration will allow us to deliver proven technology to support them in their important mission of protecting patients by helping ensure the safety of their blood and plasma supply.”

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