[Evaluation of screening and complementary tests for anti-HCV antibodies]

Screening for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors by second generation tests was started on May 1991. On July 1992 obligatory testing of every blood or plasma donation was implemented. The incidence of anti-HCV evaluated in the first period (236.590 sera) was 1.4%. In the second period (296,573 sera) the incidence dropped to 0.9%. 489 sera repeatedly positive in screening were examined by a complementary test, 4-RIBA. Compatible positive results were obtained in 72.8% of the sera. 9.4% of the sera were negative and 17.8% gave indeterminate results. Reactivity was most frequently (95.7%) encountered to the structural core HCV peptide. The value of 4-RIBA was discussed. In conclusion, it was pointed out, that blood donors deferral should be based on repeated screening.