Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 November 2003. It was answered by Lord Warner (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2003.

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Warner, Lord

Question

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Warner on 8 September 2003, 652 c66WA, whether male donors means male "untransfused" donors; what was the evidence that the switch to male (untransfused) donors would reduce the incidence of transfusion-related acute lung injury (as reported in the 2001-02 Serious Hazards of Transfusion Scheme report) and not lead to any new or increased levels of existing transfusion-related complications; with regard to a switch to male (untransfused) donors, whether they can give an assurance that this significant change in policy will be piloted and validated before a national change takes place; further to the Written Answer by the Lord Warner on 8 September 2003, 652 c66WA about the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Blood and Tissue for Transplantation and given that single donor fresh frozen plasma is responsible for the majority of transfusion-related acute lung injury incidents, what evidence the committee considered in reaching its recommendations to use single donor plasma only; whether screening of donors' blood for human leukocyte antigens (HLA) antibodies, which cause transfusion-related acute lung injury, has been considered; if so, whether it is a viable, realistic and cost-effective option; and on what grounds nationwide screening has not ben implemented and whether, bearing in mind that males are less likely to donate blood and more likely to have received a transfusion than females, the use of plasma sourced exclusively from male, previously untransfused, donors will provide enough fresh frozen plasma for the 70,000 patients who require it each year [HL 5160]; [HL 5161]; [HL 5193]; [HL 5194]; [HL 5195]; [HL 5196].

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

HL 5160; 654 c161-2WA

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Cost effectiveness Blood Donors Health hazards Men Screening Safety Research Side effects Blood transfusions Respiratory diseases