Infected Blood Inquiry 

Infected Blood Inquiry 

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.

We know that people may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage, so we have set up a
new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support – http://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support

Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected
have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this
is not the case, and particularly where they are living without symptoms of hepatitis C.

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 https://hepctest.nhs.uk/

Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could
develop into chronic hepatitis B. Patients can find out more information here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-b/

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 here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/diagnosis/ and the HIV testing services search tool can be found here Find HIV testing services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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/