Infected Blood Inquiry Final Report

The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry was published on Monday 20th May 2024.

Below are some key messages to outline with links to further information. The full report can be found here: Homepage | Infected Blood Inquiry

  • Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.

  • Modern safety standards are extremely rigorous and NHS Blood and Transplant's services follow strict guidelines and testing to protect both donors and patients, and are subject to regular inspections by independent regulators.

  • People concerned about their own health following recent media coverage can find help and support at: Support for people who may have been affected by infected blood - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

  • Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low. 

  • Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C.

  • If you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit hepctest.nhs.uk.

  • Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B.  Patients can find out more information here - hepatitis B information

  • HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS.  Home testing and home sampling kits are also available.  You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.

  • Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here:  https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/

Charlotte Flintoft