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Transfusion transmitted hepatitis C and non-A, non-B, non-C
1Department Transfusion Medicine, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Vox Sanguinis
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Transfusion-associated hepatitis (TAH) incidence has dramatically decreased due to donor screening. Specific Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) assays have nearly eliminated TAH, questioning the need for older surrogate screening methods.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hepatitis Virus Detection
- Public Health
Background:
- Transfusion-associated hepatitis (TAH) incidence significantly declined from 1985-1990 due to enhanced donor screening.
- A further extraordinary decline in TAH incidence has been observed since 1990, particularly post-1992.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of specific Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) assays on TAH incidence.
- To assess the continued necessity of surrogate screening assays in blood transfusion safety.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical TAH incidence data.
- Evaluation of the introduction and impact of specific HCV assays.
- Assessment of the role of surrogate markers like anti-HBc and ALT testing.
Main Results:
- TAH incidence has approached zero, likely below 0.5% per transfusion episode.
- Specific HCV assays are the principal reason for the recent dramatic reduction in TAH.
- Surrogate assays played a crucial role in preventing hepatitis C before HCV-specific tests were available.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of specific HCV assays has rendered TAH incidence extremely low.
- The necessity of continued use of surrogate assays (e.g., anti-HBc, ALT) is being re-evaluated.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical relevance of potential novel hepatitis agents (HFV).