Shock as animal blood stored in human blood bags, lab does not have license; massive irregularities found

HYDERABAD: Instead of human blood, animal blood was found stored at a blood bank in Telangana, triggering serious concern among authorities. Goat blood was detected during an inspection at CMK Lab in Kachiguda. The inspection also revealed several other irregularities at the facility. Officials found that the goat blood had been packed in blood bags intended for human use.

Police have registered a case against one person in connection with the incident. The accused is reportedly an employee of the lab and is currently absconding. Authorities said efforts are underway to trace him.

The animal blood was found on Wednesday morning during a raid conducted by officials of the Drug Control Administration (DCA). During the operation, officials seized nearly 1,000 litres of blood. Preliminary findings suggest that the goat blood was stored under the false pretext that it was meant for medical experiments.

Investigators are now examining whether the stored animal blood was misused. There is also suspicion that the blood may have been transported to a private company in Rajasthan.

Officials are probing the purpose behind storing animal blood, as there is no legal provision that allows blood banks to collect or store animal blood. It was also found that a valid licence is mandatory for storing blood in blood bags and for operating autoclave machines. However, the lab reportedly did not possess licences for either, pointing to serious regulatory lapses.