Background
In May 2024, the final Infected Blood Inquiry Report was published. This Inquiry investigated the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by the national health services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Inquiry has provided a number of recommendations to national health services. There has been previous work done to identify individuals who may have been given infected blood or infected blood products prior to 1991.
However, the Infected Blood Inquiry has asked for individuals who received blood transfusions or blood products prior to 1996 to be tested for Hepatitis C, if they have not already been tested.
What does that mean for me?
If you received a blood transfusion or blood products prior to 1996 and you have never been tested for Hepatitis C you should make an appointment with your GP. GP’s and Primary Care Services have been asked to offer Hepatitis C testing for people who fall into these groups. You will also be offered testing for HIV and Hepatitis B, although the risk is low from a blood transfusion or blood products, Scottish Government policies support opportunistic testing for these, however you can choose to decline this offer.
What support is available?
You can learn more about the Infected Blood Inquiry here and what supports are available through the Inquiry process should you be affected.
Within Ayrshire & Arran we have services and support available for people who have been diagnosed with a Blood Borne Virus (BBV) and their details are below:
- The local BBV service is at University Hospital Crosshouse. If you have a positive test from your GP you will be referred here.
- Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) offer free home testing for HIV. Request a kit here.
