73 FR 99 pgs. 29519-29520 - Draft Guidance for Industry: Requalification Method for Reentry of Blood Donors Deferred Because of Reactive Test Results for Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen (Anti-HBc); Availability
Type: NOTICEVolume: 73Number: 99Pages: 29519 - 29520
Docket number: [Docket No. FDA-2008-D-0263]
FR document: [FR Doc. E8-11433 Filed 5-20-08; 8:45 am]
Agency: Health and Human Services Department
Sub Agency: Food and Drug Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA-2008-D-0263]
Draft Guidance for Industry: Requalification Method for Reentry of Blood Donors Deferred Because of Reactive Test Results for Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen (Anti-HBc); Availability
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a draft document entitled "Guidance for Industry: Requalification Method for Reentry of Blood Donors Deferred Because of Reactive Test Results for Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen (Anti-HBc)" dated May 2008. The draft guidance document provides recommendations to establishments that collect human blood or blood components for a requalification method or process to reenter deferred donors into a donor pool based on a determination that the previous tests that were repeatedly reactive for anti-HBc were falsely positive and that there is no evidence of infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
DATES:
Although you can comment on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5)), to ensure that the agency considers your comment on this draft guidance before it begins work on the final version of the guidance, submit written or electronic comments on the draft guidance by August 19, 2008.
ADDRESSES:
Submit written requests for single copies of the draft guidance to the Office of Communication, Training, and Manufacturers Assistance (HFM-40), Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, suite 200N, Rockville, MD 20852-1448. Send one self-addressed adhesive label to assist the office in processing your requests. The draft guidance may also be obtained by mail by calling CBER at 1-800-835-4709 or 301-827-1800. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for electronic access to the draft guidance document.
Submit written comments on the draft guidance to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to http://www.regulations.gov .
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul E. Levine, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (HFM-17), Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, suite 200N, Rockville, MD 20852-1448, 301-827-6210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
FDA is announcing the availability of a draft document entitled "Guidance for Industry: Requalification Method for Reentry of Blood Donors Deferred Because of Reactive Test Results for Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen (Anti-HBc)" dated May 2008. FDA is providing recommendations to establishments that collect human blood or blood components for a requalification method or process for the reentry of deferred donors into the donor pool based on a determination that previous tests that were repeatedly reactive for anti-HBc were falsely positive and that there is no evidence of infection with HBV. Due to the availability of this licensed HBV nucleic acid test and the improved specificity of anti-HBc assays, we are recommending a reentry algorithm for donors deferred due to a falsely positive repeatedly reactive test for anti-HBc in this guidance. Until now FDA has not recommended a requalification method or process for reentry of donors deferred due to reactive test results for hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) due to the lack of licensed tests that could be recommended for use in a suitable algorithm for this purpose.
The draft guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The draft guidance, when finalized, will represent FDA's current thinking on this topic. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. An alternative approach may be used if such approach satisfies the requirement of the applicable statutes and regulations.
II. Comments
The draft guidance is being distributed for comment purposes only and is not intended for implementation at this time. Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES ) written or electronic comments regarding the draft guidance. Submit a single copy of electronic comments or two paper copies of any mailed comments, except that individuals may submit one paper copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in the brackets in the heading of this document. A copy of the draft guidance and received comments are available for public examination in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Please note that on January 15, 2008, the FDA Division of Dockets Management Web site transitioned to the Federal Dockets Management System (FDMS). FDMS is a Government-wide, electronic docket management system. Electronic comments or submissions will be accepted by FDA only through FDMS at http://www.regulations.gov .
III. Electronic Access
Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the draft guidance at either http://www.fda.gov/cber/guidelines.htm or http://www.regulations.gov .
Dated: May 12, 2008.
Jeffrey Shuren,
Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning.
[FR Doc. E8-11433 Filed 5-20-08; 8:45 am]
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