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Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
An economic reappraisal of hepatitis B virus testing strategy for blood donors in Taiwan
Tapiwa Blessing Matanhire1, Shi-Woei Lin1,2
1Department of Industrial Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan.
Background And Objectives:
Taiwan is among the few hepatitis B virus (HBV) high-endemic countries that implement universal mini-pool nucleic acid testing (MP-NAT) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing together with confirmatory individual donor nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT) for its blood supply since 2013. The aim of this study was to reappraise the value of HBsAg test in Taiwan's HBV testing strategy.
Materials And Methods:
A Markov model was constructed, and cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted in order to reappraise the existing HBV screening strategy in Taiwan.
Results:
The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the current testing strategy in Taiwan was estimated to be $US 443 154 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. This is almost six times the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold that reflects local preferences.
Conclusion:
Universal HBsAg and MP-8-NAT together with confirmatory ID-NAT testing prevents a significant amount of HBV infections from entering the Taiwan blood supply. However, this comes at a disproportionate increase in cost.
