Reducing Risk of VCJD - Further precautionary measures announced, UK

Main Category: CJD / vCJD / Mad Cow Disease
Article Date: 01 Aug 2005 - 17:00 PDT

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The Department of Health announced today an extension to the precautionary measures to reduce the possible risk of vCJD being transmitted by blood and blood products. In the order of 100 blood donors whose blood was transfused to three people who later developed vCJD are being asked not to donate blood, tissues or organs.

The reason a small number of donors are being contacted now is because their blood was given to someone who went on to develop vCJD and the possibility that the donated blood was the source of the infection cannot be ruled out.

This step is a further precautionary and public health measure against the possible risk of vCJD being transmitted by blood and blood products. This also comes in the light of the first possible transmission of vCJD by blood transfusion, as reported in December 2003.

As of 1st July 2005 there have been 156 definite and probable cases of vCJD in the UK. The eventual number of individuals within the UK population likely to develop vCJD remains uncertain. It is therefore not known what number of current or past blood donors may develop vCJD in the future. The UK Blood Services have already implemented a number of precautionary measures against the possible risk of vCJD being transmitted by blood:

-- Withdrawal and recall of any blood components, plasma derivatives or tissues obtained from any individual who later develops vCJD (December 1997).

-- Import of plasma from the US for fractionation to manufacture plasma derivatives (October 1999).

-- Leucodepletion (removal of white cells) of all blood components (Autumn 1999).

-- Importation of clinical Fresh Frozen Plasma from the US for patients born on or after 1st January 1996 (Spring 2004).

-- Exclusion of donors who have received a blood transfusion in the UK since 1st January 1980 (April 2004).

-- Importation of clinical FFP from the US for patients up to the age of 16 (July 2005).

-- Promotion of appropriate use of blood and tissues and alternatives throughout the NHS.

Dr Angela Robinson, National Blood Service Medical Director said: "This is a further step in the continuing drive to make blood for transfusion even safer. However, the demand for blood never stops and we always need people to come forward and give blood regularly."

She continued: "Blood saves and improves the lives of thousands of patients every year, without the dedication of blood donors, patients would not get the important treatments they require."

To find out more information about becoming a blood donor, or to find your nearest blood donor session either:
-- Visit http://www.blood.co.uk
-- View Ceefax BBC2 page 465
-- Call the 24 hour donor help line on 08457 711 711

-- The National Blood Service (NBS) is responsible for collecting, processing, testing and issuing blood in England and north Wales.
-- The NBS needs to collect nearly 2 million donations of blood every year. -- For media information please contact the NBS press pager on 07659 133583.
-- To view the Department of Health announcement please visit http://www.dh.gov.uk

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