Reaction at AIDS Conference : Doctors Hit Reagan Comment on Stockpiling Blood for Safety

Doctors at a world conference on AIDS expressed incredulity today at President Reagan’s suggestion that people stockpile their own blood to avoid contracting the fatal disease.

“That’s devastating,” said Alix Adrien of Montreal General Hospital. “The people from the Red Cross have been specifically trying to avoid such statements from prominent people so as not to deter people from giving blood.”

Reagan said Monday in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that “healthy and well people” should give blood for themselves in case they ever need a transfusion “so they don’t have to gamble.” (Story, Page 10.)

Dr. Paul Volberding of San Francisco General Hospital said the American blood supply is “extremely safe” and that less than 1% was infected by the virus even before the medical community took steps to prevent AIDS victims from donating blood.

“The logistical problem of storing your own blood would put a strain on the blood banks,” Volberding said. “If a person knew he was going to have surgery, perhaps he would want to store some, but certainly everyone should not go out and store their own blood.”

Dr. Jonathan Mann, head of the AIDS program for the Geneva-based World Health Organization, said: “I would not hesitate to receive a blood transfusion. It’s not a risk in terms of AIDS. I’m not sure I understand the need for more precautions.”