Infected Blood Inquiry – concerns surrounding blood safety
The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, led by Sir Brian Langstaff KC, was published on Monday 20 May 2024. This independent public statutory inquiry was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by national health services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970. The full report is here: https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/reports
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the supply and use of infected blood products in the NHS. You can read a statement from Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, here: NHS England » Publication of the infected blood inquiry final report
We know that people may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage, so NHS England have set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support – https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support.
Blood is now distributed to NHS hospitals by NHS Blood and Transplant, which was established in 2005 to provide a national blood and transplantation service to the NHS. All blood donors are screened at every donation and every donation is tested before it is sent to hospitals. Blood services and blood safety has been transformed, not only in terms of technological advances in testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.
Modern safety standards are extremely rigorous and NHS Blood and Transplant’s services follow strict guidelines and testing to protect both donors and patients, and are subject to regular inspections by independent regulators.
Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.
Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C.
If you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit hepctest.nhs.uk.
Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B. Patients can find out more information here – hepatitis B information
- HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS. Home testing and home sampling kits are also available. You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.
- Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here: https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/