Since September 1991 all blood in the UK is screened for hepatitis C. People who received blood for transfusions before this date might possibly have been exposed to hepatitis C.
If you have had an accident or operation in the UK which required a transfusion of blood or blood products before 1991 you may have been exposed to infected blood. It is worth noting that you might not be aware that you were given blood, especially if you were very ill afterwards. If you want to verify this, anyone who has received blood will find it mentioned in their medical records.
The Global Database on Blood Safety indicates that 80% of the world’s population does not have access to reliable and safe blood. It is estimated that 43% of the blood collected in developing countries is not tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or syphilis. Globally 5-10% of infections are caused by unsafe blood and blood products.
