Despite statements of reassurance from the authorities,
people continue to be worried about how easy it was for somebody infected with
HIV to donate blood. We tracked the donor but he refused to talk to us saying
he was psychologically disturbed. We then asked the Director of the National
Center for Blood Analysis, P.Ulaankhuu, some questions in addition to those
that had been asked at a press conference two days ago.
When did the infected man last donate
blood?
His medical card shows he gave blood three times in 2010. The analysis of his
blood in May did not reveal any infection.
How do you know that his blood had been
given to 14 people?
This can be traced from his medical card. I can say with all responsibility that
nobody was infected as there was no HIV in his blood until after May. All
donated blood is analyzed before used for transfusion.
How can the safety of the 14 be
confirmed?
They can get their blood analyzed.
How many transfusions are done in a
year? Is the analysis done according to international standards?
On an average the annual number of donations is around 20,000. In every
case, tests are made of its suitability. An average 7-8% is rejected for
hepatitis and virus infections, and another 1.2-2% for syphilis. Our equipment
meets WHO norms. Analysis reports and samples of the blood are kept for a year.