HIV 2

HC Deb 23 February 1990 vol 167 c952W

Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make it his policy to screen all blood supplies for HIV 2.

Mr. Freeman

Samples from blood donors who have visited those countries where HIV 2 is common are tested for antibodies to the virus. This selective screening policy has been in existence since June 1988.

Combined tests for the antibodies to HIV 1 and HIV 2 were recently developed and the desirability of extending screening for antibodies to HIV 2 to all blood donations is under review in light of the results of their evaluation.