Work

When precaution outlasts evidence: reconsidering blood collection in French Guiana

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: France has suspended blood collection in French Guiana, a French overseas territory in South America since 2005 because of concerns regarding transfusion-transmitted infections, particularly Trypanosoma cruzi, HIV, malaria, and other tropical pathogens. At that time, the precautionary principle was understandable. Diagnostic tools were less sensitive, the epidemiology of several infections remained poorly characterized, and the decision followed the HIV-contaminated blood crisis that profoundly shaped French transfusion policy.

Source: The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2026.101604

Authors: Loïc Epelboin, Mathieu Nacher, Félix Djossou, Olivier Hermine

Institutions: Inserm, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Guyane, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Institut des Maladies Génétiques Imagine

Language: English

Topic: Blood donation and transfusion practices

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,930