Abbott Laboratories announced that its current contract with the American Red Cross has been amended to supply a second infectious disease test for screening donated blood. Through this amendment, Abbott will now supply the American Red Cross with the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assay, in addition to continuing to supply the test for HIV-1/-2 antibodies.

"We're pleased that the American Red Cross has selected our hepatitis B test for use in their laboratories. Every year 15 million units of blood, plasma and tissue are screened using Abbott assays. This contract amendment extends our mutual commitment to ensuring the safety of the blood supply," said Joseph M. Nemmers, senior vice president, diagnostic operations, Abbott Laboratories.

Approximately 8 million volunteer blood donors donate about 15 million units of whole blood in the United States each year. The American Red Cross supplies nearly half of the nation's blood supply to patients in more than 3,000 hospitals.

The American Red Cross is dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world. Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of more than 900 chapters and Blood Services regions dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.