to the hospitals currently can't screen blood to check if it is contaminated with Chagas disease and Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). About 6–7 million people worldwide, mostly in Latin America, are estimated to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. It can be transmitted by the triatomine bug (vector-borne), as well as orally (food-borne), during pregnancy or birth (congenital), through blood/blood products, organ transplantation and laboratory accidents. Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus which causes a chronic lifelong infection in humans. It is primarily transmitted through breast feeding, sexual contact and, needle sharing and unsafe blood transfusion.

It is not clear when the National Blood Bank will be able to thoroughly screen blood again. Last year the National Blood Bank sounded the alarm due to problems with its capacity to deliver blood. Last Tuesday the Health Ministry informed the authorities of the current problem at the National Blood Bank. Meanwhile officials have come up with a temporary solution. Blood samples will reportedly be sent to neighboring Guyana for testing. After the blood samples have been cleared,the blood can be used for surgeries. The collaboration with the Guyanese laboratory will remain in effect until the National Blood Bank is once again able to thoroughly screen blood and blood products.