HL Deb 28 October 1985 vol 467 c1442WA
Baroness Nicol

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the answer given by the Baroness Trumpington on 23 rd October, whether they can confirm that every blood transfusion of any kind is made with blood which has been tested for AIDS virus.

Baroness Trumpington

All Factor VIII and Factor IX now prescribed is heat-treated, to reduce the risk of transmitting the AIDS virus. Whole blood has a shelf-life of only four weeks or so; nearly all pre-October 14th stocks of blood used for transfusions have already been tested for HTLV III antibody. We have advised regional transfusion directors to test any remaining stock wherever this is practicable.