2.4. How risky is a blood transfusion? (AIDS)
Description
This article is from the AIDS FAQ, by Dan Greening with numerous contributions by others.
2.4. How risky is a blood transfusion? (AIDS)
The following October 15, 1993 United Press International article, was
summarized in the CDC AIDS Daily News Summary.
"CDC Study Finds Five Transfusion-Related AIDS Cases Per Year" United
Press International (10/25/93)
Miami Beach, Fla.--Since screening for HIV began in 1985, very few
people have become infected with the virus via blood transfusions,
according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. The rate of transfusion-related AIDS cases rose steadily
from 1978 to 1984, then fell dramatically when testing began in 1985,
said the CDC. Officials report that between 1986 and 1991, the number
of such cases may have been as low as five per year. "While the risk
of getting AIDS from a transfusion is not zero, this study
corroborates other CDC research and published data indicating that the
risk is extremely low," said Dr. Arthur J. Silvergleid, president of
the American Association of Blood Banks. A total of 4,619 individuals
are believed to have been infected through the blood supply. Each year
in the United States, about 4 million people receive blood
transfusions.
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