Today's Globe: Heparin contaminant, colon cancer tests, mental health parity

The US Food and Drug Administration found a contaminant in 5 to 20 percent of samples of the blood thinner heparin sold by Baxter International. The unidentified contaminant is similar to heparin and the agency is investigating whether a manufacturing problem is to blame, or whether it was added intentionally by a Chinese supplier to hold down costs. The agency now puts the number of deaths from allergic reactions to the tainted product at 19. The drug, used to prevent blood clots in dialysis patients and during surgery, has been recalled.

Health groups including the American Cancer Society added virtual colonoscopy, a less invasive test for spotting signs of colon cancer, and a stool DNA test made by EXACT Sciences Corp. of Marlborough to a list of recommended screening tests for the disease.

The US House passed a bill that would require most group health insurance plans to provide comparable coverage for mental and physical illnesses when the policies cover both. The Senate previously passed a narrower version of the parity measure.