Prevalence of Osteopenia in Female HBV Carriers and its Correlation with Liver Function Test / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Osteopenia has been recognized as one of the potential complications of chronic liver disease. However, its correlation with hepatits B virus (HBV) carriage has not been reported. Thus this study was aimed to clarify the relationship between osteopenia and HBV carriage. METHODS: Bone density was measured in 192 HBV carrier women and 200 healthy women in the following sites: the lumbar spine and three sites of the proximal femur (the neck, Ward's triangle, greater trochanter) by dual-photon absorptiometry. Liver function tests (AST, ALT, Albumin, GGT, and ALP) were also performed. RESULTS: The levels of the bone density measured at the four sites were significantly correlated with each other (r=0.34 to 0.99, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, HBV carriers showed a significant decrease in the bone density of the femur (P<0.05); the decrease was particularly marked at the Ward's triangle. A negative correlation was found between bone density and serum total alkaline phosphatase level (r=-0.44, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Osteopenia was more prevalent in HBV carriers, particularly in those younger than 50 years of age. Serum total alkaline phosphatase level was higher in those with a reduced bone density; thus, the measurement of bone density may be indicated in female HBV carriers.

Standardization of Reference Values among Laboratories of Korean Association of Health Promotion / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: All fifteen laboratories of Korean Association of Health Promotion were used to use different reference ranges that were mostly adapted from the published data or the recommended data by the reagent companies supplied as inserts. These created problems such as inadequate interpretation, inability of exchangeable patient data, and subsequent confusion, and all the data stored became useless particularly in the respect of health statistics. The purpose of this study was to solve such problems through defining commonly acceptable reference ranges. METHODS: All the results performed during October 1, 2000 through September 31, 2001 were collected in preferably 'Excel' file format. All the data included the necessary information such as age and sex. The age was grouped in six; baby (0-3y), children (4-12y), adolescent (13-18y), adult (19-64y), younger elderly (65-79y), old elderly (over 80y), with references of statistics in medical informatics and WHO classification. The data were statistically analyzed with SAS 6.04 for Gaussian distribution. None of the tests showed Gaussian distribution. These procedures had been repeated twice or three times after trimming out the results lying outside three standard deviations. Though, all the tests showed non-Gaussian distribution. Subsequently, the reference ranges were defined in the range from the point of lower 2.5% to the point of higher 97.5%. And in case the lower range could be "0", the reference ranges were defined in the range of 0 to 95%. RESULTS: The reference ranges of 56 test items were newly assigned. Among these there were eight tests that needed reference ranges by the age groups and nine tests by the sex. CONCLUSIONS: All 15 laboratories of Korean Association of Health Promotion now have the same reference ranges that were statistically derived from their own data. This means the patient data and reference values can be exchangeable among their laboratories.

Utilization of Blood Components for Transfusion by Hospitals in Korea: 1998-99 / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Identification of blood use characteristics in medical facilities is essential for predicting blood demand and maintaining an efficient blood programme. We investigated the use of blood components and discard rate of blood in hospitals. METHOD: Blood component utilization of hospitals in 1998 and 1999 was analyzed by mail survey and co-work with eight university hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 1,510,862 blood component units in 1998 and 1,646,346 units in 1999 meaning an increase of 8.97 % percent were used by 59 hospitals investigated. Use of irradiated blood and single-donor platelets increased. Blood discard rate was less than five percent in most hospitals and many hospitals experienced improper cut in health insurance reimbursement. CONCLUSION: Use of blood components in hospitals is increasing and national guideline for transfusion is needed. A successive investigation on National wide blood utilization like this study is required for estimation of blood demand.

Performance evaluation of AmicusTM and MCS + during plateletpheresis / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently introduced plateletpheresis systems (AmicusTM software version 2.41 and MCS + LDP Rev. C) were evaluated for their performance. METHOD: Single-needle procedure was used for all donors, 127 with the AmicusTM and 85 with the MCS +. The targeted platelet yield was 3.2x1011. Components were evaluated for component yields, collection time, collection efficiency and incidence of donor reactions due to citrate. RESULTS: The collection time was significantly shorter with the AmicusTM (mean 57 min vs. 71 min, p< 0.05), and in 9 donors with a mean preapheresis platelet count of 325x103 /microliter the whole procedure could be completed within 40 minutes. However, the total processing time, including preprocessing and postprocessing time, between AmicusTM (78.0 min) and MCS + (74.3 min) was not statistically different. Mean platelet yield for AmicusTM and MCS + were 3.6x1011 and 3.4x1011, respectively. With 82.4% of SDPs collected with the MCS + having a platelet count of 3.0~3.9x1011, compared to 65.4% with the AmicusTM, the MCS + was more accurate in predicting the platelet yield of the final products. All components showed a residual WBC count of 5.0x106, and in 99.2% and 97.6% of components collected with the AmicusTM and MCS +, respectively, had a residual WBC count of less than 1.0x106. Mild donor reactions due to citrate tended to be more common on the MCS + (14.1%), which also used significantly more ACD (mean 342.5 mL vs. 268.0 mL, p< 0.05), than on the AmicusTM (5.5%). CONCLUSION: The plateletpheresis systems evaluated in this study allow the collection of leukoreduced SDPs of high quality within a reasonable time.

Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria in Korea - 10 cases during 1997~2001 - / 대한수혈학회지

Since the reemergence of tertian malaria in Korea in 1993, we have confirmed 10 cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria associated with blood transfusion from 1997 to 2001. Age of patients ranged from 4 months to 68 years; three cases were younger than 1 year old. Because 2 of 10 patients received different components of the same donor, 9 presumably infected donors were identified for the 10 cases. Four of them were identified by polymerase chain reaction, 2 by indirect fluorescent antibody test, and 1 donor was identified by peripheral blood film examination. Geographically the cases were distributed over the whole Nation; 3 cases in Seoul, 2 in Kyunggi and Ulsan, and 1 case each in Pusan, KyungNam and Taegu. The infective components were 1 unit of whole blood, 5 units of packed red cells and 4 units of packed platelets. The incubation periods ranged from 9 days to 78 days(mean : 30.5 days, median : 21.5 days). The incidence rate of transfusion-transmitted malaria From 1997 to 2001 calculated as number of cases/number of units of whole blood and packed red cells transfused during each year ranged from 0 to 2.85 cases per million units transfused. Enforced predonation counseling might have prevented some of the above cases. Although test for malaria antibody has been implemented for donor screening this method does not reflect the present infective status of donor. Therefore careful screening of donors according to the exclusion guidelines of the Korean Red Cross remains as the best way to prevent transfusion-transmitted malaria.

Activities of Blood Programme in Korean Red Cross: 1990-1999 / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: The non-remunerated blood programme in Korea was delegated to the Korean Red Cross by the government since 1982 and 98% of blood for transfusion in medical facilities was supplied by KRC in 1999. This study was conducted to analyze the activities of recent ten years. METHODS: The quantities and trends of blood collection and transfusion were analyzed on the basis of annual report of Korean Red Cross. RESLUTS: Between 1990 and 1999, the number of annual blood donation increased from 1.1 million to 2.5 million units reaching 5.4 percent of total population in 1999. About 20 percent of total donation were plasmapheresis in 1999. The total number of whole blood transfusion decreased from 249,239 in 1990 to 47,814 units in 1999. The component transfusion of RBCs and Platelets increased from 0.7 million to 1.5 million and from 0.2 million to 1.1 million units, respectively. The stational donation rooms were opened actively from 1993 and more than 90 donation rooms were established in 1999. CONCLUSIONS: The total number of blood collected and transfused increased greatly. The component donation and individual voluntary donation are increasing. The quality control on blood programme conducted by Korean Red Cross was enforced.

Performance of HCV and HIV-1 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test(NAT) in Korean Blood Donors / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: There is still risk of acquiring HCV and HIV by transfusion due to window phase. Screening for HCV and HIV-1 by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) may improve blood safety allowing detection during the preseroconversion window in donors. METHODS: We investigated NAT usefulness using COBAS AMPLICOR analyzer (Roche). The following sample population were tested:1) 15,552 HCV/HIV-1 seronegative random blood donor samples for HCV and HIV-1 NAT;2) 696 high ALT and 271 HCV EIA positive samples for HCV NAT;3) 1,152 HIV-1 EIA reactive samples for HIV-1 NAT. NAT was performed on pools of 24 donations according to the assay protocol. RESLUTS: Six pools showed initial reactive reactions in HCV NAT and one pool showed initial reactive reaction in HIV-1 NAT. But no donor sample was found repeatedly reactive by this assay. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were false positive reactions, specificity of the NAT assay was high enough for the assay to be applied as a blood screening test and implementation of this assay is expected to improve blood safety and be useful for blood products use.

ABO gene analysis of cis-AB and B subgroup in blood donors / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUDS: Based on elucidation of genetic basis of ABO blood group, the genetic mutation of blood subgroup has been investigated. Especially, the discovery of base substitution such as C467T, G803C in cis-AB have made the efforts to determine cis-AB blood group by molecular method. This study was performed to investigate the ABO gene structure and usefulness of genotyping method in blood donors whose blood group are suspected as cis-AB and B subgroup. METHODS: Genotyping for ABO was performed in peripheral blood DNA samples from eight cis-AB donors and five B subgroup donors at red cross blood center. DNA sequencing was performed on Bint, B3 and two cis-AB samples. RESLUTS: All eight cis-AB donors showed that they have cis-AB allele and C467T substitution. Through DNA sequencing it was confirmed that cis-AB allele was derived from A allele mutation and two B subgroups showed no base sequence difference with B blood group. CONCLUSIONS: The genotyping method would be useful tool to determine blood group variants in blood donors. And more investigation is required for elucidation of genetic structure and gene expression of ABO blood subgroup.

A Case of a Large Fibrin Clot Formed in a Plama Unit Collected by Donor Plasmapheresis / 대한수혈학회지

A large aggregate was found in a plasma unit collected by plasmapheresis at the Chungbuk Blood Center. The result of the screening test for the donor was normal. The aggregate was dissolved in 1N NaOH and 10% SDS and this aggregate was analyzed with UV spectrometer and NMR spectrometer. Most of the component of it was proved to be protein. The informations about this aggregate in plasmapheresis unit were asked to other institutes. Osaka Blood Center of Japanese Red Cross gave an information that the aggregate could be made by anticoagulant. When the aggregate was treated with the plasmin, the aggregate was dissolved completely. And the band regarded as fibrin was found in SDS-PAGE. An aggregate like this could be formed when the amount of anticoagulant is deficient in the collection of blood. To prevent the formation of the fibrin clot, the addition of the proper amount of anticoagulant has to be inspected.

Analysis of Blood Donation History of Korean Malaria Patients / 대한임상병리학회지

BACKGROUND: After the resurgence of endemic malaria case in 1993, the number of malaria cases is increasing in succeeding years and most of patients were soldiers who served in the northern parts of Kyeonggi-do and Kangwon-do. Because group donations of blood from soldiers are frequent in these area, it is possible that donated blood from these area cause malaria. So we examined blood donation history of malaria patients to know their donation behavior. METHODS: The subject was 1,671 malaria patients who were diagnosed in 1997 and referred to blood transfusion research institute and their past donation history, time and frequency of donation were examined. The database consisted of malaria patients and blood donors who are known to be related with transfusion-transmitted malaria has been retrieved at each red cross blood center for every blood donors. The results were analyzed from January to December, 1998. RESULTS: About 60% (1,017) of 1,691 malaria patients in 1997 had donated their blood before diagnosis. The number of one time donation was 268; two time 289; more than three time was 460. Two hundred thirty six donors were checked by malaria registry file. In 236 donors, 92 cases were diagnosed with malaria, 96 cases were suspected to have malaria, 48 cases were namesakes. Conclusion: Because some malaria patients donate their blood after their diagnosis, it would be necessary to operate 'the computerized retrieving programme'to detect their donation after the diagnosis. Also, an education for malaria patients for their risk of transmitting malaria and strict history taking from donors for malaria will be required.

Seroincidence of Hepatitis B Virus among Korean Blood Donors / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Seroincidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among Korean blood donors has not been reported. This study was conducted to calculate the seroincidence of HBV among blood donors and to estimate the risk of post-transfusion hepatitis B by donated blood in window period of infection. METHODS: HBV seroincidence was calculated among repeat-donors who had donated from Nov. 1994 through Dec. 1996. To calculate the person-years, the database of the Korean National Red Cross was used in which results for HBsAg enzyme immunoassay were filed up. The observed incidence was adjusted by interdonation interval of incident cases, who were defined as donors showing seroconversion. The risk of post-transfusion hepatitis B by donated bloods in window period of infection was estimated. RESULTS: HBV seroincidence was estimated to be 180.85/100,000 person-years. This was adjusted as 602.83/100,000 person-years by considering interdonation intervals. The risk of post-transfusion hepatitis B was estimated to be 974 units per one million of whole blood units due to be in window period of infection. CONCLUSION: The estimated seroincidence of HBV among Korean blood donors and thereby the risk of HBV transmission by donated bloods in window period of infection was about 50 to 60 times higher than those of Japan and United States of America.

Rh C/c, E/e genotyping by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUNDS: With the recent elucidation of genetic basis of Rh blood group, it is now available the molecular genotyping methods for Rh blood typing. These can be used when serological typing is difficult. This study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of Rh genotyping method for Koreans. METHODS: Genotyping for Rh C/c and E/e was performed in peripheral blood DNA samples from 34 blood donors by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The PCR determined genotypes were compared with serologically determined phenotypes. RESULTS: The Rh C/c and E/e genotyping results of 34 blood donors were full concordance with the results of their serologic phenotyping. CONCLUSIONS: Rh genotyping method on the basis of Rh genetic model can be applied to Koreans. This genotyping method would be useful tool in prenatal Rh typing of fetus at risk of hemolytic disease and when serotyping is not available for example massive transfusion.

A Study on the Procurement of HLA Class I Typing Trays Using Gushed Out Blood During Placental Delivery / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Microlymphocytotoxicity test is most widely used for HLA Class I typing but almost all laboratories depend on imported HLA Class I typing trays. Matching criteria for the selection of HLA-matched platelets to treat platelet refractoriness is not as strict as for bone marrow transplantation. Therefore, with the acquisition of various antisera against high frequency HLA antigens, self-made HLA typing trays can be used for HLA typing of HLA-matched platelet donors. METHODS: 140 samples obtained during placental delivery were tested for the presence of HLA antibodies against a well-characterized panel of 90 cells. Specificity of HLA antisera were determined by evaluating the correlation coefficient r of the 2x2 table, kappa2 test. Antisera strength was evaluated by the strength index. RESULTS: HLA antibodies were detected in 25 samples by primary screening and 23 samples also showed a positive reaction in secondary screening (16%). Among 23 samples, 11 antisera were of reagent grade quality and 7 were monospecific antisera. DISCUSSION: Imported HLA typing trays can be replaced by harvesting HLA antisera against HLA antigens which are relatively common in Koreans through continuous HLA antibody screening using gushed out blood during placental delivery.

Seroincidence of Hepatitis B Virus among Korean Blood Donors

BACKGROUND: Seroincidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among Korean blood donors has not been reported. This study was conducted to calculate the seroincidence of HBV among blood donors and to estimate the risk of post-transfusion hepatitis B by donated blood in window period of infection. METHODS: HBV seroincidence was calculated among repeat-donors who had donated from Nov. 1994 through Dec. 1996. To calculate the person-years, the database of the Korean National Red Cross was used in which results for HBsAg enzyme immunoassay were filed up. The observed incidence was adjusted by interdonation interval of incident cases, who were defined as donors showing seroconversion. The risk of post-transfusion hepatitis B by donated bloods in window period of infection was estimated. RESULTS: HBV seroincidence was estimated to be 180.85/100,000 person-years. This was adjusted as 602.83/100,000 person-years by considering interdonation intervals. The risk of post-transfusion hepatitis B was estimated to be 974 units per one million of whole blood units due to be in window period of infection. CONCLUSION: The estimated seroincidence of HBV among Korean blood donors and thereby the risk of HBV transmission by donated bloods in window period of infection was about 50 to 60 times higher than those of Japan and United States of America.(Korean J Blood Transfusion 10(1): 1-4, 1999)

Rh C/c , E/e genotyping by polymerase chain reaction using sequence - specific primers

BACKGROUNDS: With the recent elucidation of genetic basis of Rh blood group, it is now available the molecular genotyping methods for Rh blood typing. These can be used when serological typing is difficult. This study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of Rh genotyping method for Koreans. METHODS: Genotyping for Rh C/c and E/e was performed in peripheral blood DNA samples from 34 blood donors by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The PCR determined genotypes were compared with serologically determined phenotypes. RESULTS: The Rh C/c and E/e genotyping results of 34 blood donors were full concordance with the results of their serologic phenotyping. CONCLUSIONS: Rh genotyping method on the basis of Rh genetic model can be applied to Koreans. This genotyping method would be useful tool in prenatal Rh typing of fetus at risk of hemolytic disease and when serotyping is not available for example massive transfusion. (Korean J Blood Transfusion 10(1): 21-26, 1999)

A Study the Procurement of HLA Class I Typing Trays Using Gushed Out Blood During Placental Delivery

BACKGROUND: Microlymphocytotoxicity test is most widely used for HLA Class l typing but almost all laboratories depend on imported HLA Class 1 typing trays. Matching criteria for the selection of HLA- matched platelets to treat platelet refractoriness is not as strict as for bone marrow transplantation. Therefore, with the acquisition of various antisera against high frequency HLA antigens, self-made HLA typing trays can be used for HLA typing of HLA-matched platelet donors. METHODS: 140 samples obtained during placental delivery were tested for the presence of HLA antibodies against a well-characterized panel of 90 cells. Specificity of HLA antisera were determined by evaluating the correlation coefficient r of the 2 x 2 table, x2 test. Antisera strength was evaluated by the strength index. RESULTS: HLA antibodies were detected in 25 samples by primary screening and 23 samples also showed a positive reaction in secondary screening(16%). Among 23 samples, 1 1 antisera were of reagent grade quality and 7 were monospecific antisera. DISCUSSION: Imported HLA typing trays can be replaced by harvesting HLA antisera against HLA antigens which are relatively common in Koreans through continuous HLA antibody screening using gushed out blood during placental delivery. (Korean J Blood Transfusion 10(1): 53-60, 1999)

Procurement of HLA Class I Antisera from Multiparous Blood Donors / 대한임상병리학회지

BACKGROUND: HLA antisera are procured mainly from placental blood or blood of multiparous women. The latter has a merit that a large volume of antisera could be obtained, once the antisera are found to be of good quality. METHODS: A total of 1,437 multiparous blood donors were screened for the presence of anti- HLA antibodies. After the first screening with 20 panel cells, initially reactive sera were re- screened with 30 panel cells. RESULTS: Of 1,437 sera, 50 sera (3.5%) were reactive to both the first and the second screening panel cells. Among 50 sera, 25 (50.0%) sera could be assigned for their antibody specificity with r value of 0.8 or more. Only 14 samples (1.0%) showed reactivity to two or more panels with same antigen specificity and strength index of 80% or more. Four donors repeatedly donated blood with specificities of A24, A26, B7, and B7+B40, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Screening of HLA class I antibodies in multiparous blood donors showed that HLA antisera of good quality could be obtained in about 1% of the donors in Korea.

Perception of ABO and Rh(D) Blood-type in Korean Volunteer Donors / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: It is important to know one's own exact blood type. While the primary purpose of blood donation is an adequate blood supply, it is also an excellent opportunity for donors to confirm their blood type. Over 5% of the total population in Korea donated bloods in 1997. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between increased participation in blood drives and an increase in members of the public's knowledge of their own blood type. METHODS: 271,346 blood donors at Dung-Bu Red Cross Blood Center answered to a questionnaire. The discrepancy ratio between perceived and actual ABO blood type was obtained through answerey questionnaire. Another 3,058 answered a more detailed questionnaire to probe their general knowledge of ABO and Rh(D) blood types were analyzed. RESLUTS: The discrepancy ratio between real and perceived ABO blood types was 1% but only 90.7% were confident of their ABO blood type. Only 58.3% were correctly answered to their Rh(D) blood type, and 98.7% of the donors who knew his or her Rh(D) blood type as negative were proved to be Rh(D) positive. The ABO discrepancy ratio was lower in females and it has decreased as blood donations increased (p<0.01). The discrepancy ratio increases with the age of the donor, and respondents over 30 had a higher discrepancy than those under 30 (p<0.01). Knowledge of Rh(D) blood type in transfusion was not well known to the general public. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the discrepancy ratio between real and perceived ABO blood type has decreased as a national blood donation rate has increased. Nevertheless, to increase the public's knowledge of blood type in relation to transfusion, especially to increase awareness of Rh(D) blood type, it is needed to conduct test exactly and to educate the result and general knowledge of blood type and tranfusion to the public.

Occupational Distribution of Anti-HCV Immunoblot Positive Donors and Anti-HIV Westernblot Postive Donors in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: It is widely known that approximately 99.4% of the safety of the blood supply can be met by the careful history taking of donors. In Korea, however, it is generally accepted that there is difficulty in doing careful history taking because donors are mainly recruited from school or army. This study is focused on analyzing the occupational distribution of anti-HCV or anti-HIV antibody positive donors and re-emphasizing the importance of careful history taking for donors. METHODS: Occupation of antibody positive donors was seaeched out from the computer database of the Korean National Red Cross. For the analysis of anti-HCV immunoblot positive donors, database from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 1996 were used. For the anti-HIV Western blot postive donors, database from 1992 to 1996 were used. RESULTS: 2,761 donors were anti-HCV immunoblot positive and searched out for their occupation. (Additional 80 donors were immunoblot positive, but could not be identified from the computer database.). 82% (2,269 donors) of 2,761 donors was not in the group of Students and Soldiers. Anti-HCV immunoblot positive donors were there in Others (1,015 donors) and in Salariate (820 donors) and in Merchants (313 donors). So, positive rate was the highest in Merchants (0.70%) and the second was others (0.44%). Occupational distribution of anti-HIV westernblot positive donors was nearly the same as that of anti-HCV immunoblot positive donors. CONCLUSION: 82% of anti-HCV immunoblot positive donors was not in the group of students and soldiers. Futhermore, occupational distribution of anti-HIV antibody positive donors was nearly the same as that of anti-HCV antibody positive donors. So, if blood collection staff would try to take a medical histroy carefully for donors, even only for individual donors who visit donation room alone or with a few friends, many risky donors may be excluded from donation, and thereby the safety of blood could be increased by appreciable amount in Korean blood donation program.

Effectiveness of Supplemental Enzyme Immunoassay Using Abbott IMx HCV Kit for the Anti-HCV Positive Donors / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Only 39% was the positive predictive value of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody test done by Korean Red Cross. Supplemental enzyme immunoassay (EIA) by another EIA kit may be also effective for reporting the more correct result to donors, instead of expensive supplemental immunoblot test. METHODS: All repeatedly reactive blood samples by EIA from 16 regional blood centers were retested for anti-HCV antibody by Abbott IMx HCV kit and LG HCD CONFIRM immunoblot kit. Presence of viral RNA was also confirmed using Amplicor HCV TEST kit from 180 samples, which were proportionately selected according to supplemental EIA and Immunoblot results. RESULTS: Of 2,211 repeatedly reactive samples, 909 samples (41%) were reactive and 1,302 (59%) samples were non-reactive with IMx HCV kit. 81% of reactive samples also showed positive pattern on the LG HCD CONFIRM strips and 79% of 1,302 samples showed negative pattern. RNA positivity was estimated 66% and 17% in Abbott IMx HCV positive and negative samples respectively, and 72%, 6%, 20% in LG HCD CONFIRM positive, indeterminate and negative samples respectively. CONCLUSION: HCV RNA positivity in positive samples by Abbott IMx HCV or LG HCD CONFIRM was not statistically significant (z=0.57 < 1.96, alpha=0.05). RNA detection rate by Abbott IMx HCV or LG HCD CONFIRM among HCV RNA positive samples, which was estimated as 73%, 70% respectively, was also statistically insignificant (z=0.375 < 1.96, alpha=0.05). So, it seems to be a good and economical practice that donors are notified of anti-HCV antibody results after supplemental EIA test using Abbott IMx HCV kit.