THE South African National Blood Service has confirmed that a Durban man has taken legal action against the non-profit organisation.

The man, who has not been identified due to the sensitivity of the case, claims to have contracted the Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) after he received numerous blood transfusions.

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According to KwaZulu-Natal spokesman, Sifiso Khoza, the man is suing the SANBS for R24-million – for medical expenses, loss of income and damages after becoming infected with the incurable virus.

Khoza confirmed that the SANBS does not test blood for the HTLV-1 virus, as it has a low prevalence – “occurring roughly in 1 in 1 000 people – in South Africa”.

“While striving to provide safe, quality blood to each and every person who needs it, science does not allow for universal safety of blood. The SANBS therefore warns all physicians and their patients that there is a risk of contracting diseases even though the blood is tested,” he said.

“In cases of high prevalence in a country – which is internationally benchmarked at more than 5 in 100 people – the WHO and ISBT recommend that a country may consider testing,” he added.

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Khoza said the SANBS only tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and  C,  as required by the National Health Act and advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT).

“The SANBS makes the decisions around blood testing in consultation with the National Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. The SANBS has every sympathy for the man who contracted this virus through a blood transfusion. The SANBS will continue monitoring for viruses and continually deliver a quality service.  The SANBS does and will continue to do everything in its power to provide safe, quality blood to South Africans,” said Khoza.

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