The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has suspended taking blood donations from women who have 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.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar says he is being briefed on the problem and will monitor it closely.