If you had a blood transfusion, had an organ transplant or received blood products before 1996, there's a small chance you may have been given infected blood.
This could mean you have an infection, including:
- hepatitis C, before 1996
- HIV, before 1985
- hepatitis B, before 1972
Today, all blood donated in the UK is screened using very rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.
Since screening was introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion, organ transplant or blood products is very low.
NHS Blood and Transplant have more information about the infected blood inquiry
If you had a blood transfusion before 1996 and you've not been tested for hepatitis C, contact your GP surgery to discuss any tests you may need.
You can also get a free home test for hepatitis C.
Help and support
Infected blood inquiry
Find out more about the infected blood inquiry, including confidential support services, from the Infected Blood Inquiry website.
Compensation
If you or a member of your family have been affected by treatment from infected blood, you may be able to get financial support from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.
Psychological support
If you live in England and you or someone close to you has been affected by treatment from infected blood, you might be able to get psychological support from the Infected Blood Psychological Service.
Previous support schemes
The interim support schemes for people affected by treatment from infected blood are now closed to new applications. These were: