Testing for hepatitis B and C virus infection before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: justification for dedicated...

Endoscopic interventions have become a significant tool in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to avoid transmission of associated diseases, cleaning and disinfection/sterilization procedures of endoscopes and accessories are crucial. Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections are among the most common viral infections globally and maintain their position as a serious public health problem.

One thousand patients visiting our gastroenterology department were diagnosed and, except for cirrhosis, were enrolled in this study. For patients with HBsAg and Anti-HCV positive, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase, hemogram and prothrombin time were examined and ultrasonography was performed.

Five hundred and seventy three patients (57.3%) were female and 427 patients (42.7%) were male. Among 1000 patients in total, 39 patients were detected to have hepatitis (3.9%). Of these patients, 28 (2.8%) had HBsAg (+), 10 (1%) had Anti-HCV (+), 1 (0.1%) had both HBsAg (+) and Anti-HCV (+).

It would be beneficial to include a determination of hepatitis serology of patients prior to endoscopy in daily practice. In addition, like dialysis machines, there is a need for further studies evaluating the cost effectiveness of using separate endoscopy devices allocated to groups of patients with HBV, HCV or to those who do not carry hepatitis.