Spectrum of Inactivation

In order to minimise the risk of transfusion transmission, pathogen inactivation technologies need to be validated against the broadest possible spectrum of known and emerging pathogens.

The INTERCEPT™ mechanism of action is not species-specific. Inactivation claims on a broad spectrum of known and emerging pathogens exist for:

• Enveloped viruses
• Non-enveloped viruses
• Gram negative bacteria
• Gram positive bacteria
• Spirochetes
• Protozoa

Emerging pathogens, such as the arboviruses chikungunya (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), West Nile (WNV), and Zika (ZIKV) continue to pose a risk to global public health. Published studies have shown effective inactivation using the INTERCEPT Blood System.

• Zika
• Additional species of Serratia and Streptococcus

‘In areas with active Zika virus transmission, the FDA recommends that whole blood and blood components for transfusion be obtained from areas of the US without active transmission. Blood establishments may continue collecting and preparing platelets and plasma if an FDA-approved, pathogen-reduction device is used’.

 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release, 16 February 2016