AN information pack on the optional HIV testing programme is to be sent to all GPs in the State. A national advertising campaign will also take place to inform the people who received blood products between the start of 1981 and April 1986 that they can be tested.
The pack is expected to be issued next month after it has been vetted by the Attorney General.
The programme was announced bay the Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, before Christmas when it was discovered that the BTSB was unable to trace blood issues which may have been contaminated with HIV.
A spokesman for the BTSB said yesterday that six of 16 suspect product issues from seven donors who gave blood before the introduction of screening in 1985 had been traced.
He said the State's eight health boards were now searching through individual patient records in an attempt to trace the remaining 10 issues. "There has been no change in the figures since Christmas. The search is continuing but it will take time."
The continuing series of blood controversies has left relations between Department of Health officials and the BTSB fraught. It is understood there were a number of differences over the HIV testing programme. However, it is expected to be in operation by next month.
The pack contains information on transmission of HIV, what expected of the doctors taking part in the screening, and the necessary forms to be filled out.