Bayer helps fund hemophilia project

Bayer Biological Products, a US subsidiary of Germany's Bayer group, has made a grant of $40,000 to the World Federation of Hemophilia in support of the International External Quality Assessment Scheme, a new program promoting improved standards of laboratory performance and practice in hemophilia treatment centers worldwide.

By establishing the IEQAS, the WFH is aiming to create a "universal standard" for laboratory testing in hemophilia. The Sheffield Center, which will administer the program on behalf of the WFH, will work with individual centers to ensure their laboratory practices are on a par with the universal standard. "Since fewer than 30% of people with hemophilia are diagnosed, improving laboratory diagnosis is a key priority for WFH," said Brian O'Mahony, the WFH president.