The impact of HIV/AIDS on blood transfusion practice in South Africa: some ethical issues.
Blood transfusion has become an essential component of modern medical practice. However, worldwide epidemics of viral diseases - in particular, HIV/AIDS - have made the practice of blood transfusion therapy hazardous, motivating scientists to devise techniques and strategies to ensure the supply of safe blood and blood components for clinical use. The challenges are particularly great in sub-Saharan Africa, where clinicians have become so accustomed to using blood transfusion that it may be difficult for them to reduce their dependence on it. A number of ethical issues raised by the practice of blood transfusion in medicine are raised and discussed.
Jenkins
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Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa. trefor.jenkins@nhls.ac.za
D001802:Blood Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D018907:Privacy; D040841:Resource Allocation / Q000379:methods; D013019:South Africa
D001802:Blood Substitutes