NSW: Qantas refused to take part in DVT study 7 years ago

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2000
NSW: Qantas refused to take part in DVT study 7 years ago

It's been reported Qantas refused to take part in what would have been Australia's
first economy class syndrome study seven years ago.

The Daily Telegraph says plans to study the links between long-haul flights and deep-vein
thrombosis were abandoned because of the airline's refusal to cooperate.

The potentially-fatal economy-class syndrome is caused when blood clots develop while
sitting in cramped conditions.

Professor REGINALD LORD, a surgeon at St Vincent's Hospital and professor of surgery
at the University of NSW, says he approached the airline about the study in 1993 but the
proposal was rejected by the Qantas board.

Professor LORD told the paper he urged Qantas to put a warning on tickets advising
of the dangers of deep-vein thrombosis.

A Qantas spokeswoman confirmed that Professor LORD contacted the airline but said there
was no formal agreement.

She says the company was involved in a number of studies with Griffith University this
year, including one on DVT.

Yesterday another legal firm, Perth-based Hoffmans, advertised for more victims of
DVT to take part in a class action against airlines.

AAP RTV dmc/hn

KEYWORD: DVT (SYDNEY)

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