The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has suspended taking blood donations from women who've given blood in the last 18 months.

It's after a problem was identified with a device used by the Service to measure haemoglobin levels in donors.

The I.B.T.S says the device gives inaccurate results in some people who have anaemia.

The service says it will now re-check samples from each donor.

Medical and Scientific Director with the Service is Dr William Murphy: