[Lilly]

Originally Posted by lettie

I have only just read this thread so please excuse me for butting in.

Negative HIV tests don't mean very much to the Blood Transfusion Service, this is because seroconversion to HIV happens about 12-14 weeks after contact with the virus. For example; if your friend had a negative HIV test prior to giving blood then had unprotected intercourse the night before his donation, he could be HIV positive but the test done at the time of the donation would say negative. Many of our heterosexual population with HIV are substance users or of Sub-Saharan African origin and are also not encouraged to give blood. The virus is now spreading amongst caucasians aged 15-25 because of unprotected sex (the figures are frightening).
HIV is not the only reason that homosexuals are seemingly discriminated against by the BTS. The resurgence of Syphillis in the last 5 years has been mainly amongst the homosexual community, it spread rapidly in places like Brighton and Manchester. Syphillis can be passed on through blood transfusion.
I know that it seems mean and discriminatory for homosexuals to be banned from giving blood but the BTS cannot take risks with peoples lives, nor can it afford to be doing detailed screening on everyone. People in 'at risk' categories would have to be repeatedly screened for months before making their donation. People in non-risk categories are still screened and even then, a very small number of infections can slip the net eg. there is currently no test to screen accurately for CJD.

Thanks for that, Lettie.