Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by dry-heated clotting factor concentrates. Transfusion Safety Study Group.

The Transfusion Safety Study monitored susceptible persons for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections transmitted by plasma products and blood components. Through December, 1988, 6 subjects without antibody to HIV-1 (anti-HIV-1) became seropositive after receiving dry-heated factor VIII concentrate. The preparations implicated in 3 cases were derived entirely from anti-HIV-1-screened donors. In all instances, HIV-1 infection could be explained by concentrates heated at 60 degrees C for 24-30 h. Limiting consideration to concentrates and components administered after study entry showed that 4 of the seroconversions occurred among 122 subjects given 10 million units of factor VIII concentrates. No seroconversions occurred among 84 subjects given 5 million units of factor IX concentrates, or 83 who received components from over 26,000 unpaid donations. Serologic surveillance of anti-HIV-1-negative subjects provides important information, and should be routine in the management of persons receiving clotting factor concentrates.