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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hepatitis C Testing.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

531 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that persons who received a potentially infected batch of anti-D and have undergone the advised repeat serological test for hepatitis C by the Blood Transfusion Service Board will receive the results of all these repeat tests as quickly as possible in order that they can be re-assured of their serological status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18345/99]

I established the expert group on hepatitis C to advise on the clinical and non-clinical management of the group of women who received infectious or potentially infectious anti-D, but who tested negative for hepatitis C. Although there was no evidence to suggest that any of these women are currently infected, the expert group recommended, as a precaution, that they be offered repeat virology testing.

I understand that the repeat testing consists of a preliminary hepatitis C screening test carried out by the BTSB, followed by an ELISA test carried out by the Virus Reference Laboratory at University College Dublin. I agree that the test results should be made available to the women concerned as soon as possible. I understand that both test results are available within three weeks from the date of receipt by the BTSB of the test sample, and are sent to the woman's general practitioner.
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