The anticipated commencement date for the Ortho and Abbott 1&2 tests was 1 July 1991. Read more about The anticipated commencement date for the Ortho and Abbott 1&2 tests was 1 July 1991.
An HCV test would be available towards the end of 1989, but there was a great deal of work to do regarding manufacturing and trials to get to that point. Read more about An HCV test would be available towards the end of 1989, but there was a great deal of work to do regarding manufacturing and trials to get to that point.
Scotland were under pressure from the SNBTS to fund the introduction of additional virological testing for HCV, but wanted to know what the UK planned to do first. Read more about Scotland were under pressure from the SNBTS to fund the introduction of additional virological testing for HCV, but wanted to know what the UK planned to do first.
Professor Cash insisted that HCV testing be discussed. Read more about Professor Cash insisted that HCV testing be discussed.
On 7 January 1991, at a meeting of the NBTS/SNBTS Liaison Committee it was reported that no decision had been taken by the Department of Health on the implementation or funding of anti-HCV testing. Read more about On 7 January 1991, at a meeting of the NBTS/SNBTS Liaison Committee it was reported that no decision had been taken by the Department of Health on the implementation or funding of anti-HCV testing.
At a meeting of the SNBTS directors Dr Gunson reported the agreement to conduct a UK study, with 1,000 samples to be sent from the UK to Chiron for blind testing. Read more about At a meeting of the SNBTS directors Dr Gunson reported the agreement to conduct a UK study, with 1,000 samples to be sent from the UK to Chiron for blind testing.
Dr Boulton insisted that the screening of donors for HCV antibodies should be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity. Read more about Dr Boulton insisted that the screening of donors for HCV antibodies should be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity.
Dr Lloyd reiterated his concern that the UK was "dragging its feet over testing" and was running the risk of "accepting the lowest common denominator" approach. Read more about Dr Lloyd reiterated his concern that the UK was "dragging its feet over testing" and was running the risk of "accepting the lowest common denominator" approach.
It was "important that the UK Blood Transfusion Services should act in unison on this subject" of HCV testing. Read more about It was "important that the UK Blood Transfusion Services should act in unison on this subject" of HCV testing.
Ortho organised a meeting in London with representatives from both the English and Scottish blood services to look at the preliminary UKBTS data. Read more about Ortho organised a meeting in London with representatives from both the English and Scottish blood services to look at the preliminary UKBTS data.