Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 February 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if it is his policy that user-patients should be informed if the Bio Products Laboratory withdraws blood products on the basis of past donation information relating to CJD protection requirements. - (Holding answer 21 December 2000).

Answer: Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his policy that user-patients should be informed if the Bio Products Laboratory withdraws blood products on the basis of past donation information relating to CJD protection requirements. [143857] Yvette Cooper: [holding answer 21 December 2000]: The Department's current guidance, based on the advice from ethical experts, is that clinicians should not tell patients if they have received such products. This is because: the risk that vCJD might be transmitted in this way is low; there is no diagnostic test for vCJD; even if a test was available, there is no treatment. The guidance goes on to state that: "In deciding whether or not to inform a particular patient, the benefit/harm balance for their individual situation must be carefully considered. In communicating with patients who have received implicated products, it is therefore for individual clinicians to decide whether to follow this general ethical advice." The Department is continuously reviewing this advice to ensure that it is in line with current scientific information and ethical thinking.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 143857; 363 c72W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Disclosure of information Blood Diseases Ethics Blood transfusions CJD
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk