Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when blood testing for contaminated blood product-induced infections was started (a) with consent and (b) without consent; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to www.doh.gov.uk/consent.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when blood testing for contaminated blood product-induced infections was started (a) with consent and (b) without consent; and if he will make a statement. [143396] Miss Melanie Johnson: The safety of blood and blood products used in the National Health Service is of paramount importance. The current high levels of safety are achieved by screening out potential high-risk donors and then further testing of every unit of donated blood for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV before it is released to hospitals. Diagnostic tests became available for Hepatitis B in 1972, for Hepatitis C in 1991 and for HIV in 1984. It is a matter for health professionals to ensure that consent for testing is obtained. Guidance on consent to examination and treatment is available on the Department's web-site at www.doh.gov.uk/consent.

Secondary information