The contribution of economic analysis to infectious risks management in blood transfusion systems.

This article shows that policies aimed at reducing risks of infectious agen ts transmissible through blood unfortunately follow a law of 'diminishing r eturns': increasing marginal costs have to be devoted for limited reduction s in the risks of contamination through blood donations. Therefore, the eco nomic cost-effectiveness analysis is appropriate to identify screening stra tegies which may minimize costs to reach a certain level of safety. Moreove r, economic analysis can contribute to public debates about the level of re sidual risk that society is willing to accept. Empirical results from Frenc h studies about screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in individuals who ha ve received blood transfusions and in blood donations are presented to illu strate these points. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.