Led by Sir Brian Langstaff KC, this independent public statutory inquiry was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by national health services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products, in particular since 1970.
We want to reassure you that modern safety standards are extremely rigorous and NHS Blood and Transplant's services follow strict guidelines and testing to protect both donors and patients, and are subject to regular inspections by independent regulators. If you would like more information about the safety of blood from donations in England please visit www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety
We know that people may be concerned about their own health following the recent media coverage around the inquiry, so the NHS has set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support - nhs.uk/infected-blood-support
Where to find more information about testing
If you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit hepctest.nhs.uk
Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B. Patients can find out more information here - hepatitis B information.
HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS. Home testing and home sampling kits are also available. You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.
