AIDS, ethics, and the blood supply. A report of a conference of the American Blood Commission and the Hastings Center, Institute of Society, Ethics and the Life Sciences, January 29 and 30, 1985.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

AIDS, ethics, and the blood supply. A report of a conference of the American Blood Commission and the Hastings Center, Institute of Society, Ethics and the Life Sciences, January 29 and 30, 1985.

Transfusion. 1985 Mar-Apr;25(2):174-5. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85169216
Miller WV; Simon ER

Abstract: Although the conference was not held to determine policy, certain issues emerged which should be of interest to all involved with the initiation of anti-HTLV-III testing. First, there was a consensus that an implementation period during which donors will not be notified of the test results is essential. During this period, test proficiency, data confidentiality safeguards, and positive donor counseling procedures can be established. Also, during this period alternative test sites can be established; this was considered a critical step to maintain the safety of the blood supply. Second, there was a perceived need for legislation to protect the confidentiality of sensitive test data, whether in the laboratory or as part of a deferral list system, from subpoena. Third, there was not agreement about whether inventory should be tested; donors who provided that inventory did not know it was to be tested, and might not have consented if the implications of testing had been known. But, inventory testing is clearly in the interest of the recipient. Finally, there was an awareness in the blood banking community of their new role in monitoring a public health menace, and a beginning acceptance of this role emerged.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*TRANSMISSION Blood Transfusion/*ADVERSE EFFECTS *Ethics, Medical Human United States JOURNAL ARTICLE

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