HIV, hep C tests urged for pre-1992 patients

HAEMOPHILIACS who may have received blood products contaminated with HIV or hepatitis C before 1992 are being urged to come forward to be tested for the viruses.

While experts believe that less than 10 people are involved, the National Haemophilia Council (NHC) is anxious that they come forward and avail of the very effective treatments now available.

Of the 160 haemophiliacs infected with HIV, 64 have died while of the 220 infected with hepatitis C, 20 have died.