The HIV Information Project for Transfusion Recipients a Decade After Transfusion

Safety of the Canadian blood supply in 1980–85: using a paediatric cohort for risk assessment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

“…In two Canadian paediatric cohorts the acceptance rates for HIV testing were 100% and 96% respectively 18 –19 . However, based on focus groups, it was expected that asking patients to allow their HIV test results to be sent to anyone other than the ordering physician would reduce the acceptance of HIV testing 20 …”

“…18±19 However, based on focus groups, it was expected that asking patients to allow their HIV test results to be sent to anyone other than the ordering physician would reduce the acceptance of HIV testing. 20 Knowledge of all infected cases is essential for accurate determination of the HIV incidence. To increase the probability of identifying all cases, multiple approaches were used for case finding.…”

“…Letters were sent, by priority post, to all transfusion recipients including those notified in the pilot project. 10 The address used for the second mailing was that listed in the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), which provides universal health care for Ontario residents. Letters were sent to families of children who were known to have died but not to 449 families with missing information.…”

An evaluation of the process and costs associated with targeted lookbacks for HCV and general notification of transfusion recipients

“…Although these recommendations were published in 1995, the intent of the commission was clear in 1994. Shortly thereafter, The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto notified 793 former cardiac surgery patients regarding the risks of HIV, up to a decade after their transfusions 9 …”

A Canadian hospital-based HIV/hepatitis C look-back notification program

“…[4][5][6][7] Most reports have involved children, since many of these patients would now be sexually active, and could transmit HIV if they are unaware that they were infected. 4,6,7 In contrast, many adults who received transfusions during the period in question would now be dead, since transfusion in adults is often associated with conditions having a high risk of death.…”