Bernard J. Durkan
Question:119 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health whether all GPs throughout the country have received the supplies and facilities to enable them to make the Anti-D tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Anti-D Blood Tests.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of women who have so far had blood tests in the course of the screening now taking place on Anti-D; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health whether he has received any queries from GPs throughout the country arising from restricted access for women seeking Anti-D tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has for the screening of children born to women who receive Anti-D treatment in 1977 or thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 120, 121 and 122, inclusive, together.
On 21 February, 1994, the Blood Transfusion Service Board announced its national blood screening programme for Rh Negative blood type women who had received Anti-D Immunoglobulin.
As of yesterday, the number of women who have been tested for Antibodies for Hepatitis C is 28,788.
I understand that, while some GPs did not receive their packs until after 22 February 1994, the Blood Transfusion Service Board put these packs in place as quickly as possible and that all GPs have now received the test materials.
The Blood Transfusion Service Board has now distributed information packs to all GPs outlining in detail the procedures which are in place to advise, counsel and care for those women who have tested antibody positive for the antibodies to Hepatitis C.
The purpose of the screening programme set up by the Blood Transfusion Service Board is to screen all women who received Anti-D Immunoglobulin from 1970 to 18 February, 1994. It is the Board's intention to screen children of women who have tested positive as soon as they have been identified.
I would like to avail of this opportunity to again encourage all women who received Anti-D Immunoglobulin at any time from 1970 to 18 February, 1994 to come forward for testing under the free Blood Transfusion Service Board National Blood Screening Programme.