Background Information

The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry was published on Monday 20^th May 2024. This was an independent public statutory inquiry established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by the NHS in the UK were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970.

• 1970 to 1991 : Imported blood infected with HIV and Hepatitis C was given to patients in the form of transfusions, plasma and other blood products
• 1985 : All blood donations have been tested for HIV since October 1985
• 1991 : All blood donations have been tested for Hepatitis C since 1^st September 1991
• Since testing has been introduced, the risk of acquiring an infection from a blood transfusion is very low. There have been no reported and confirmed cases of hepatitis C, from any UK blood component, since a 1997 transfusion and for HIV from a transfusion in 2002

The Report

The Infected Blood Inquiry final report has been published and can be read here: Reports | Infected Blood Inquiry

Support for those affected

We know that people may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage. The NHS has published a webpage for those who may be affected to find help and support. The website can be accessed through this link: Support for people who may have been affected by infected blood - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Reassurance for patients

• 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 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: Home - HepC (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 - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• 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 here: HIV and AIDS - Diagnosis - NHS (www.nhs.uk). You can find out more about the HIV testing services using the following search tool: Find HIV testing services - NHS (www.nhs.uk))
• Patients who want more details about the safety of blood donations in England can find more information here: Your safety - NHS Blood Donation