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Race not a factor in blood donor risk
Race will not be used to determine the level of risk in donated blood, a meeting between the health department and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) agreed on Friday.
Health department spokesperson Sibani Mngadi said: "The current risk rating model needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency and other scientific determinants should be identified and integrated into the model to determine risk more accurately. Race will not be used to determine blood-risk level."
The meeting was called to discuss allegations that SANBS used racial classifications to reject blood from black and coloured donors. Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said on Thursday the profiling of donors smacked of racism.
SANBS said it used many criteria to determine the risk associated with blood donations. These included risky behaviour, sexual practices and a healthy lifestyle.
"All risk factors and criteria are taken into account in the profiling of donations," Mngadi said in a statement.
SANBS said it used all donated blood in accordance with internationally recognised health and safety standards.
Mngadi said: "Irrespective of race, repeat donors who avoid risky behaviour and lead a healthy life are essential to maintain a consistent supply of low risk blood." - Staff Reporter
http://www.iol.co.za/data/mastheads/mast_11.gif Published on the Web by IOL on 2004-12-04 14:12:00
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