Virus found in blood supply

BEKASI: Testing of blood stocks belonging to the Indonesian Red Cross Bekasi has found 30 blood bags contaminated with viruses, including HIV and Hepatitis B and C, a Red Cross official said on Monday.

Bing Hermawan said the contaminated blood had been destroyed at the public health center in Bantar Gebang. Located near the local dump, it was the only center in Bekasi that had adequate facilities to dispose of blood, he said.

The organization needs at least 1,500 blood bags each month, which generally come from the central office in Jakarta or from relatives of patients.

"We need at least 50 new donors every day who each can donate between 250 cc and 350 cc of blood," Bing said.

All blood given to the organization is tested for dangerous viruses. -- Antara