Blood Bank A.I.D.S. ‘inevitable’ (Press, 16 July 1986)

An article by Dr Graeme Woodfield, published in the Medical Journal, addresses the potential for cases of AIDS induced by blood transfusions in New Zealand, acknowledging that such cases are likely unavoidable due to prior transfusions conducted before AIDS screening tests were implemented. Dr Woodfield, associated with the New Zealand blood transfusion services centre in Auckland, notes that New Zealand is fortunate to be several years behind the United States and Australia in the AIDS epidemic, allowing local transfusion services time to take necessary precautions before the number of AIDS virus carriers escalated. Since October 1985, routine testing for the AIDS marker has been established in New Zealand, supported by rigorous donor screenings aimed at excluding individuals from at-risk groups. Dr Woodfield indicates that while no transfusion-related AIDS cases have yet been reported in New Zealand, the introduction of AIDS has significantly impacted blood transfusion services. He observes that although transfusion has statistically been a minor cause of AIDS transmission, public anxiety surrounding the possibility of receiving contaminated blood has led to a notable decline in donor turnout early in the testing programme, partly due to misconceptions that blood donation could transmit AIDS. Moving forward, Dr Woodfield emphasises that AIDS will remain a concern in New Zealand, necessitating stringent donor screening and testing protocols. He also highlights the constructive collaboration with the homosexual community and the overall support from blood donors during this period of procedural evolution. Enhanced donor re-registration, medical screening, and the dissemination of educational materials about AIDS have been implemented to safeguard blood supplies. Dr Woodfield reassures that the risk to individual patients requiring blood transfusions is now exceedingly low due to these proactive measures. Nevertheless, he stresses the importance of making potential donors aware of the criteria for exclusion from donating blood, advising that those needing unlinked AIDS testing should seek alternative testing facilities rather than attempting to utilise blood donation for that purpose. Lastly, he encourages medical staff to evaluate their blood usage practices, permitting transfusions only in justified circumstances. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring the utmost safety for transfused blood while providing reassurance to both medical professionals and patients in New Zealand.

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