Test for West Nile virus in blood or organ donations approved

West Nile virus is an infection usually spread by mosquitoes that affects the brain and central nervous system. The Procleix WNV Assay was developed to detect West Nile virus in donated organs (such as a kidney or heart) or blood, which may also spread the virus. The fully automated test, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 2, 2007, will help screen donors and improve the safety of donated blood and tissues.