AEGiS-SAPA: SA's donated blood clear of HIV since 2005

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

SA's donated blood clear of HIV since 2005

South African Press Association - April 17, 2008

No HIV infections through blood transfusions have been recorded since 2005, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) said on Thursday. Chief executive Loyiso Mpuntsha said the use of nucleic acid amplification technology (Nat) has successfully reduced to five days the window period during which infections cannot be detected. "Nat identifies traces of genetic materials of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in the blood more effectively that other methods," Mpuntsha said. However, only 1% of the South African population donates blood, which is insufficient for a country that has a high demand, she said.

Mpuntsha said everyone regardless of their race is screened vigorously when donating blood. She said her organisation does not use race as an indicator of blood safety, but looks at the frequency of donations as an indicator. "Everyone is at risk of infections and it depends on your lifestyle. There are no black, white, coloured or Asian categories when it comes to screening blood any more," Mpuntsha said.

In 1999, the blood service had categorised the supply of blood in risk groups with blacks being a high-risk group. The SANBS campaign is aimed at educating blood donors about the advantages of leading a sexually safe lifestyle that enables them to commit to long-term blood donations. "The more regular a donor donates, the more useful the donation is. If you are a regular donor, you are the safest donor as you always monitor HIV, hepatitis and syphilis infections," she said.

Mpuntsha said Nat has reduced the risk of contracting infected blood. However, the cost of a unit of blood to be administered to a patient has gone up from R450 to R600 due to the new technology. She said the SANBS has improved its transport system and has well-equipped vehicles. "We reviewed our transport system and put in place vehicles that have emergency fridges and insulated boxes."

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