European CDC Issues Guidelines to Prevent HIV Transmission Through Substances of Human Origin

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued new public health guidelines on Monday with technical requirements and recommendations to prevent HIV transmission through substances of human origin in the European Union and European Economic Area.

The guidelines focus on blood and blood components, tissues and non-reproductive cells, and reproductive cells. They outline laboratory testing methods for HIV screening, testing strategies and donor assessment factors that may limit test reliability. Evidence accompanies each set of requirements and recommendations. ECDC noted that EU/EEA countries may apply more stringent measures.

ECDC intends to expand future guidance to cover these areas and additional pathogens.