The provision of safe blood--policy issues in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. |
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Authors: | C J van Dam D Sondag-Thull L Fransen |
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Affiliation: | AIDS Task Force, EEC, Brussels. |
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Abstract: | The AIDS epidemic has focused attention on the constraints and deficiencies present in many blood transfusion services in the developing world. We discuss a variety of options for reducing transfusion-related HIV transmission, and suggest how new transfusion strategies may be implemented. We show that a transfusion service cannot rely solely on the screening of donor blood for anti-HIV antibodies and that a more comprehensive approach is needed. Important components of this approach include donor selection and improved clinical practice, in which blood and blood products are prescribed only when really necessary. |
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