Blood Products Risk for HIV

In the past, people have contracted HIV thorough blood transfusion, blood product transfusion and organ transplant. In these cases, donated blood or tissue was contaminated with the virus. While some countries are unable to screen for HIV in blood or organs used for transplant or transfusion, many countries - particularly Western or developed countries - are able to do so and this is no longer a significant risk.

In the UK, blood has been screened successfully for HIV since 1986 and screened for hepatitis since 1991. Similarly, all organ donations are now currently screened for these.

While there is no risk from blood and blood products in this country at present, it is important to remember that this screening is not the same in less developed countries. If you have received any blood or blood products outside Western Europe, North America, Australia or New Zealand and you have not been tested for HIV or hepatitis, you should consider doing so.

Click here for details of how to get a test.

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