Every day that you release blood components to surgery or a unit in the hospital, it’s a “launch”, and someone may benefit from the transfusion (or not) based upon your technical accuracy, as well as the safety, purity, and potency of the component rereleased. The specter of infectious diseases, such as the Zika virus (ZIKV), has made that responsibility much more difficult.. This article covers the Zika Virus in detail, specifically the spread of the Zika Virus.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how ZIKV is transmitted to humans
• Discuss the role of the medical professional in the prevention of ZKIV transmission 
• Describe testing methods for ZIKV

Author(s):

• Linda Williford Pifer, PhD, SM(ASCP), GS(ABB), 
• Wyenona Hicks, MS, MT(ASCP), SBB

Relevant Certifications:

• Medical Assistant (RMA)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
• Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)
• Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Launch Date: 2017

Enrollment Expiration: 180 days after purchase