Written question asked by David Hinchliffe (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Monday, 3 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What tests are available to demonstrate that blood does not contain the agent of new variant CJD.

Answer: Mr. Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests are available to demonstrate that blood does not contain the agent of the new variant CJD. [18022] Mr. Horam: There is no test available to detect Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease including the new variant, in the blood of living persons. The safety of blood is kept under regular review by the expert advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Blood and Tissues for transplantation. There is no evidence of any risk of transmission of CJD through blood or blood products. However, as a precautionary measure, the National Blood Service guidelines exclude from giving blood people who, as a result of personal health factors or treatment received, might be at risk of developing CJD, and people with a family history of CJD.

Secondary information