October 20, 2008

variant CJD and blood transfusions

Speakers:
John Forsythe, consultant transplant surgeon, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Prof Marc Turner, Professor of Cellular Therapy, University of Edinburgh

The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) is an independent advisory body set up last year by the Government to provide advice on the most appropriate way to ensure the safety of blood, tissues, cells and organs for transfusion or transplantation. One of their concerns is reducing the risk of transmitting vCJD through blood transfusions (which is in itself rare). At this background briefing, members of SaBTO gave their views on the level of risk and what measures SaBTO are taking o reduce it.