Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: On how many occasions in the last 12 months blood plasma and other blood products have been recalled from hospitals by the Blood Transfusion Service; in how many cases the cause for recall was possible contamination; and in how many cases batches of products later recalled had begun to be used by hospitals. - Includes figure. (Holding answer 25 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions in the last 12 months blood plasma and other blood products have been recalled from hospitals by the Blood Transfusion Service; in how many cases the cause for recall was possible contamination; and in how many cases batches of products later recalled had begun to be used by hospitals. [17535] Mr. Horam: [holding answer 25 February 1997]: The National Blood Authority, of which the former blood transfusion service forms a part, has made two such recalls in the last 12 months after the products had been issued to hospitals and had begun to be used by them. The products in question were assessed as safe for use because of the production processes to which they were subjected. The recalls were undertaken as a precautionary measure only, in order to avoid unnecessary public concern.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 17535; 291 c570W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Blood Products Safety Blood transfusion services National Blood Authority
Contains statistics: Yes