ABSTRACT
To study the sero prevalence rate of hepatitis C antibodies among blood donors in the North of Jordan. A retrospective study carried out at Prince Rashid Ben Al Hassan Hospital over one year period [1999]. 21000 eligible blood donors in the North of Jordan were screened for Hepatitis C antibodies. Their data were collected from Prince Rashed Military hospital and National Blood Bank in the Northern part of Jordan. Fresh blood samples were drawn from all donors. Serum was separated and stored at - 20°C until it was tested. All blood samples were tested in laboratories using the same standardized methods and equipment. HCA was detected using the ELIZA test [Organon Tekaika]. A total of 21000 [19550 males, 1450 females] blood donors were screened for HCV Antibodies. The prevalence of HCY Antibodies seropositives among the study populations was 1.1% and the prevalence in males and females were 1.8% and 0.6% respectively. The peak age range of positive HCV Antibodies donors was from 35-39 yeas. We concluded that seropositivity in our donors is still significant. Therefore, expanded immunization programme must be introduced taking into account all age groups. Future studies are needed to determine the prevalence of HCV Antibodies