This laboratory (also known as the "Donor Testing Laboratory") employs a large, proficient staff of technical and support personnel for the preparation and testing of donor and non-donor blood. The testing procedures meet the requirements, regulations and guidelines of theFood and Drug Administration, the American Association of Blood Banks, and the laboratory is licensed for virological testing by the State of Washington Department of Health (Medical Test Site/CLIA). More than 420,000 samples are tested annually. In addition to routine ABO/RH typing of these samples, the lab routinely screens for red-cell antibodies, HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HBc, anti-HIV-1/-2, anti-HTLV-I/HTLV-II, anti-CMV, STS, and HCV/HIV/HBV/WNV nucleic acid by a technique known as NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing). Confirmatory testing is performed on samples with reactive HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV-1/-2 or anti-HTLV-I/HTLV-II results.

The virology and NAT laboratories are under the direction of Mark Destree MS, MBA, MT (ASCP), Director of the Blood Processing Laboratories. The Virology Laboratory, managed by Gene Heresa MAED, MT (ASCP) SBB, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and utilizes the most recent, accurate, FDA-approved test materials available for testing. In our commitment to excellence and to assure a safe and dependable blood supply to the region, the laboratory consistently implements newly developed tests upon availability.

Our quality assurance program encompasses: the development and maintenance of written procedures; training, continuing education and competency evaluation of staff; participation in proficiency testing programs; validation of software, hardware, equipment and procedures; and the analysis of errors and outcomes of routine audits and practices.

The NAT and Special Studies Laboratory is managed by Carol Taylor, Ph.D., MT(ASCP), and performs specialized testing, confirmation testing, clinical trials, compiles data from testing and oversees FDA approved donor reentry programs. The Special Studies Laboratory is responsible for conducting evaluations of new test methodologies of interest to the department. These evaluations often have been conducted under a clinical trial basis in cooperation with biotechnology and diagnostic reagent companies.