Mass Notification of Transfusion Recipients at Risk for HIV Infection

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Abstract
To the Editor.— In May 1988, the Department of Health and Human Services initiated a generalized mailing to inform US households of the risks of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although blood banks throughout the country have been vigorous in tracing specific transfusion recipients identified as at risk for HIV infection, a wider "look-back" approach may be warranted in some areas.1 Study.— Between July 1987 and October 1987, using computerized billing tapes, we identified all patients who had received transfusions between January 1978 and April 1985 at the University of California, San Francisco. Using routine mail, we attempted to alert them of their small but potential risk of HIV infection and suggested that they consider testing. We had previously participated in tracing specific transfusion recipients at risk for HIV infection (ie, recipients of blood retrospectively identified as HIV-antibody positive and recipients of blood from donors who later developed acquired

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