Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
A Medicolegal Evaluation of Directed Blood Donation
AIDS & Public Policy Journal 3, no. 3 (1988): 4-10 Mark D. Koepke, Samuel M. Levey, and John A. Koepke
Recognizing that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, can be spread by blood transfusions, serious concerns have arisen regarding the safety of the procedure. As of May 2, 1988, transfusion-related AIDS had developed in 1,598 persons not known to be in any other high-risk category for AIDS. Transfusion-related AIDS has similarly developed in 722 hemophiliacs. In response to the perceived dangers, some have argued that directed blood donation is safer than blood obtained from the community at large. A directed donation is one that is given by a friend, family member, or other selected individual who has been specifically recruited by a potential recipient, or by a family member for the recipient, with the stipulation that the blood product be transfused to that recipient only. While directed blood donation programs have emerged largely since 1981, the practice has increased dramatically, mainly as a result of the public fear of AIDS. As an indication of the acceptance of such programs, a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults showed that 75 percent of respondents would prefer to receive blood from friends or family rather than from the general blood supply. It will be argued in this paper that the public preference for directed donation has little basis in medical fact, and the claim that directed donation blood presents less of a risk of HIV infection will be questioned. However, because the number of directed donation recipients will probably continue to grow, we will examine a number of issues that confront hospitals and blood banks that are considering, are involved in, or are implementing directed donation programs. The cost implications and legal issues associated with directed donation programs will also be reviewed.
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
