Hepatitis Australia urges testing for those with pre-1990 blood transfusions

Hepatitis Australia is urging individuals who received blood transfusions or blood products before 1990 to undergo testing for hepatitis C. This advisory follows an episode of ABC’s ‘Australian Story’ that examined the experiences of those who contracted hepatitis C and HIV through contaminated blood products before widespread screening was implemented.

Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes emphasized that hepatitis C is currently curable and that effective, straightforward treatments are available. The organization is directing those seeking information to HepLink, which provides free and confidential testing, support, and a national telehealth service.

In response to the coverage, ‘Australian Story’ acknowledged the profound impact on those who acquired infections in the 1980s and early 1990s. The program noted that while Australia was among the first to introduce HIV screening in 1985 and hepatitis C antibody testing in 1990, the evolving scientific understanding at the time led to significant hardship for many. A 2004 Senate Inquiry found that blood service decisions were based on the best available evidence available at the time.