CJD fears cause drop in blood transfusions

BLOOD transfusions will only be given to patients in life-or-death situations to cut the risk of transmitting the human form of mad cow disease through tainted supplies.

The Scottish Blood Transfusion Service aims to reduce the number of transfusions by about 10,000 each year.

The move will end so-called ‘pick-me-up’ transfusions, where patients are given blood to help them recover following operations and to provide relief from debilitating conditions such as ulcers, bowel disease or gum disease. Instead, they will be given iron tablets to boost their blood count.

The move coincides with new evidence which suggests that the danger of the human form of mad cow disease, vCJD, being transmitted through blood is higher than previously thought.

Last night Professor Ian Franklin, medical director of the Blood Transfusion Service in Scotland, said: "Although we are confident that transfusions are continuing to save lives, it is not a zero risk. We just want to make sure that people get blood when it is necessary, and not when they don’t really need it."