Infected Blood Inquiry – May 24

We know that people may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage, so we have set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support - https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support

Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.

Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.

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.

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 maybe a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C.

Anyone worried that they may be at risk of hepatitis C, can order a confidential test online via this website.

Online resource for patients and the public to find help and support.