Infected blood inquiry: study that said risk was seen as ‘tolerable’ omitted patient death

Exclusive: 2003 study was cited as evidence that risks of hepatitis C could not have been foreseen at the time

A study cited at the infected blood inquiry, as evidence that the devastating consequences of blood products contaminated with hepatitis could not have been foreseen, misrepresented the results of a trial in making its case, the Guardian can reveal.

Up to 6,520 people are believed to have been infected with hepatitis C through imported factor VIII blood products in the 1970s and 80s, while a further 26,800 are estimated to have been infected with the virus though blood transfusions. About 2,000 people are estimated to have died as a result.