Red Cross Faces Suit Over Blood Operations

The American Red Cross goes to federal court today to defend against a lawsuit brought by one of its former quality-control managers, who alleges that 607 pints of contaminated blood were released in New Jersey two years ago by the Red Cross, reports The Wall Street Journal. The lawsuit contends that Red Cross senior officials knew the blood had been improperly collected and yet distributed it in violation of Red Cross procedures and federal regulations.

Ryland Dodge, a Red Cross spokesman, declined to comment on specific claims in the case, but he told the newspaper that blood safety “is our chief priority.” He added, “We are working to do whatever we can to get into complete compliance.” (A paid subscription is required to view this article.)