Anti-D Injections

HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 cc347-8W

Jacqui Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued on the use of anti-D injections for rhesus negative mothers; and if he will make a statement. [70152]

Mr. Hutton

The Department has commissioned evidence based guidelines for the use of anti-D from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which will be available shortly.

Jacqui Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what record his Department keeps of the number of anti-D injections administered in the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [70153]

Mr. Hutton

Exact figures are not available centrally but an estimated 75,000 women in the United Kingdom are annually eligible for anti-D injections.

Jacqui Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in securing plasma for anti-D from non-UK sources. [70151]

Mr. Hutton

Anti-D made from non-United Kingdom plasma will be available from the National Blood Authority's Bio Products Laboratory in April/May. Two other manufacturers have Anti-D products made from non-UK plasma which are licensed in the UK. Supplies of these are being made available.