Related Experiment Videos
Risk factors and anti-HBc reactivity among first time blood donors
M H Molijn1, J M van der Linden, L K Ko
1Red Cross Bloodbank Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Vox Sanguinis
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) testing in HBsAg-negative blood donors can identify hepatitis B risk factors. This testing is valuable for blood safety, especially considering donor partner history.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Virology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The utility of anti-HBc as a marker for non-A, non-B hepatitis is diminished with the advent of anti-HCV testing.
- The role of anti-HBc testing in blood donors, beyond HBsAg screening, for detecting hepatitis B remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the application of anti-HBc testing in first-time blood donors for identifying hepatitis B risk factors.
- To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B risk factors among HBsAg-negative donors with anti-HBc reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of serology and risk factor data from 16,081 first-time blood donors.
- In-depth interviews and serological testing of 112 anti-HBc reactive donors and 240 controls.
- Analysis of donor demographics, travel history to endemic areas, and partner's history.
Main Results:
- Anti-HBc reactivity was detected in 1.48% of donors.
- Anti-HBc positive donors were older, had a higher history of liver disease, and more likely to have resided in or originated from HBV-endemic areas.
- Strong anti-HBc reactivity correlated with hepatitis B risk factors in HBsAg-negative donors.
Conclusions:
- Anti-HBc testing in HBsAg-negative first-time donors identifies hepatitis B risk factors with a prevalence of 0.02%.
- Incorporating the travel and origin history of the donor's partner is crucial for comprehensive risk assessment in blood donation.