Key messages for patients and the public
The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry was published on Monday 20 May 2024. This independent public statutory inquiry was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by national health services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970.
Timeline of historical events:
• 1970 to 1991: Imported blood infected with HIV and Hepatitis C was given to patients in the form of transfusions, plasma and other blood products.
• 1985: All blood donations have been tested for HIV since October 1985.
• 1991: All blood donations have been tested for Hepatitis C since 1 September 1991.
• Since testing has been introduced, the risk of acquiring an infection from a blood transfusion is very low. There have been no reported and confirmed cases of hepatitis C, from any UK blood component, since a 1997 transfusion and for HIV from a transfusion in 2002.
• Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.
• Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.
Any Patients concerned about hepatitis B infection should see the NHS hepatitis B information or to contact their GP or local sexual health clinic. Or if you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit hepctest.nhs.uk.
HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS. Home testing and home sampling kits are also available. You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website. A new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support – https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here: https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/
