BTSB pledge on screening service

The Blood Transfusion Service Board said yesterday that recipients of blood products who tested positive for HIV would be offered counselling and further testing. It stressed that the risk for spouses and partners of contracting HIV through sexual contact with a transfusion recipient was "extremely low". Spouses and partners who are concerned are being encouraged to contact the BTSB helpline or their family doctor. A screening service will be established by the BTSB today for patients who may have been exposed to the risk of HIV infection as a result of the transfusion of blood or other blood products. The helpline number is 1800 200409.