Informing blood donors about AIDS and risk factors

Abstract

To safeguard blood transfusion therapy, anti-HIV testing has been standard in routine blood bank practice in the Netherlands since mid-1985. Despite the availability of serological testing for HIV infection, donor deferral remains of prime importance because of the period between HIV-infection and development of antibodies (the 'window phase'). Therefore blood and plasma donors are informed about AIDS and risk factors. Reactions of donors to such information were investigated in a regional blood bank in the Netherlands (1985-1987). Although there seems to be a good understanding of the necessity of reading information about AIDS, personal motives (not belonging to a risk group, having read information before, etc.) resulted in insufficient attention to the written information (a circular letter) by more than one third of respondents. We recommend that information on risk factors is given by a personal approach (i.e. interview) and by emphasizing the personal responsibility of donors for the safety of the blood supply used in blood transfusion therapy.