Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 27 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 April 2001. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 2 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what advice he is giving haemophilia patients regarding the safety of human plasma-derived factor 8 with respect to (a) hepatitis A, B, C, (b) Aids and (c) CJD.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he is giving haemophilia patients regarding the safety of human plasma-derived factor 8 with respect to (a) hepatitis A, B, C, (b) Aids and (c) CJD. [156360] Mr. Denham: Since the mid 1980s blood products for haemophiliacs have been treated to destroy hepatitis C and HIV as well as a range of other viruses. The United Kingdom haemophilia centre doctors organisation guidelines state that all patients who are not immune to hepatitis A or B and who receive blood products should be vaccinated. There is no evidence world-wide that CJD of any type has been transmitted via blood or blood products, although the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely. All blood products used by the National Health Service in England are made from imported plasma.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 366 c39W; 156360
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: HIV/AIDS Haemophilia Hepatitis Safety Blood transfusions CJD Factor VIII
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk