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The possibility of transfusion-induced HIV infection by some blood components and plasma derivatives has been recognized since 1982. The implementation of preventive measures has virtually eradicated the risk of HIV transmission by some blood products and dramatically reduced this risk with other blood products. However, the problem remains unresolved in those parts of the world which have a high prevalence of HIV infection and lack effective blood transfusion systems based on voluntary non-remunerated donors. The extremely low residual risk which in Western countries may still be associated with transmission of labile blood components should neither be denied nor unduly exaggerated. The measures currently in use to try and eradicate this risk consist of improvements in the quality of screening tests and of self-exclusion or questionnaire-based deferral of blood donors who have potentially been exposed to viral contamination. The latter challenge can only be faced through efficient information of prospective donors by physicians, public educators and mass media.
The possibility of transfusion-induced HIV infection by some blood components and plasma derivatives has been recognized since 1982. The implementation of preventive measures has virtually eradicated the risk of HIV transmission by some blood products and dramatically reduced this risk with other blood products. However, the problem remains unresolved in those parts of the world which have a high prevalence of HIV infection and lack effective blood transfusion systems based on voluntary non-remunerated donors. The extremely low residual risk which in Western countries may still be associated with transmission of labile blood components should neither be denied nor unduly exaggerated. The measures currently in use to try and eradicate this risk consist of improvements in the quality of screening tests and of self-exclusion or questionnaire-based deferral of blood donors who have potentially been exposed to viral contamination. The latter challenge can only be faced through efficient information of prospective donors by physicians, public educators and mass media.