I was interested in the comment on blood transfusion in your December 2004 edition included in a book review on an Africa Aids education series for secondary schools (Seeing the full picture). The comment reads: ‘I thought the section covering blood transfusions should have stressed the dangers associated with this, rather than giving readers a false sense of security.”
South Africa has one of the safest blood banks in the world and goes to great lengths to ensure a safe service, including screening for HIV.
Of course, it can never be 100% safe – but blood has never been claimed to be 100% safe, even prior to the Aids era.
Furthermore, one does not want to create paranoia around blood use, especially among learners when the decision on needing blood will be in the hands of informed doctors anyway. Clinicians would only recommend the use of blood if it is absolutely essential to save a life.
Dr Clive Evian
Aids management and support,
Johannesburg