This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Further vCJD precautionary measures
20/07/2005
As a precautionary measure, six blood donors in Scotland
are being advised not to donate blood, tissues or organs,
because they could potentially be at risk of carrying
variant CJD (vCJD). This is part of a larger UK-wide
exercise involving over 100 donors.
The six donors have been traced following a subsequent
diagnosis of vCJD in patients who had received their
blood.
Recent expert advice from the UK CJD Incidents Panel is
that, although it is not known whether these cases of vCJD
are related to the blood donations in question,
precautionary steps should be taken to inform the
individual donors, and to take appropriate measures to
safeguard public health.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS)
has written to those affected to make them aware of this,
and to offer counselling and support appropriate to their
individual situations. To protect medical confidentiality,
information on areas of residence for these donors is not
being released.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Aileen Keel said:
"Public safety is paramount. Although there is no proven
link to these six donors, it is sensible that we take
precautionary measures to protect the public.
"Only six donors out of 450,000 are implicated in
Scotland, and they have been contacted directly by
SNBTS.
"This is one of several measures already carried out by
SNBTS aimed at making blood as safe as possible."
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service National
Director, Mr. Keith Thompson said:
"Blood donors are highly committed to helping other
people, and we greatly value their contribution. The
National Health Service in Scotland depends upon their
continued commitment to donation. It is not possible for
anyone to contract vCJD from giving blood, but it is
certain that giving blood, saves patients' lives every
day".
Donors with any concerns about vCJD are advised to call
the SNBTS Helpline on 0845 90 90 999 or NHS24 on 0800 22
4488 who will be pleased to answer any questions.