Hepatitis in clinical laboratories 1973-74

The survey of laboratories in 1970-72 was continued by a questionnaire to members of the Association of Clinical Pathologists covering the next two years. Hepatitis B accounted for 14 of the 32 cases reported from 28 laboratories. A moderate excess of laboratories reporting hepatitis tested speciments from transplant units. The average attack rate for staff of all types was 143 per 100 000 with higher rates for science-biochemists (308), medical morbid anatomists (302), and haematology technicians (292). No case was fatal and only seven required hospital admission. The findings confirm the need for continued vigilance and precautions but do not justify alarm.