Brian Cowen
Question:97 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he has considered launching a campaign of retesting in relation to hepatitis C in view of the tribunal of inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5266/97]
Written Answers - Hepatitis C Retesting.
Limerick East): The national blood screening programme commenced in February 1994, to screen all women who had received the anti-D product, their children and partners. As of 3 January 1997, 61,486 women have been screened for hepatitis C under this programme. A total of 1,776 children and 504 partners have also been screened.
The targeted lookback programme commenced in October 1994 to identify persons who may have been infected with hepatitis C as a result of a transfusion, by tracing the past donations of donors now identified with evidence of hepatitis C infection. As of 3 January 1997, 270 living recipients have been traced under this programme. The targeted lookback programme will continue indefinitely as donors present with hepatitis C who may have donated blood prior to the introduction of routine screening for hepatitis C in October 1991.
The optional screening programme commenced in September 1995 to ensure that all recipients of blood transfusions and blood products who might possibly have become infected with hepatitis C through the receipt of transfusions or blood products were given the option of being tested free of charge. As at 3 January 1997, 11,800 people have been screened under this programme.
The national blood screening programme, the targeted lookback programme and the optional screening programme will continue indefinitely and all matters relating to these programmes will be kept under continuous review by my Department.