ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the first experience of using tests of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) for the selection of blood donors in a tertiary hospital blood center in Korea. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2007, the data of all eligible donors according to the Korean Blood Regulation Law were analyzed. Anti-HBc testing was performed in all donors, but anti-HBs was tested only in anti-HBc seropositive donors. Anti-HBs negative but anti-HBc positive donors were regarded as ineligible for blood donation. Cost for donor testing was calculated based on Korean health insurance payment schedule from 2005 to 2007. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of anti-HBc in blood donors was 23.2% (162/699) and increased with increasing age. The proportion of ineligible donors for blood collection was 2.7% (19/699) of total donors and 11.6% (19/162) of anti-HBc seropositive donors. The cost of testing for anti-HBc and anti-HBs was estimated to be about 40% of the total screening cost. CONCLUSIONS: Although additional donor screening tests for anti-HBc and anti-HBs requires increased cost and relatively small number of donors are additionally excluded by these tests, they are considered to be helpful for the safety of blood products, because our blood center has characteristics with small number of donors and relatively high percentage of donors in the age group of thirties and older.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Humans , Middle Aged , Age Factors , Blood Banks , Blood Donors , Hepatitis B/diagnosis , Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis B Core Antigens/immunology , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/immunology , Korea , Laboratories, Hospital , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Serologic Tests/economicsABSTRACT
Para avaliar reduçäo de custo da pesquisa de anticorpos contra hepatite C, por ELISA, em pool de cinco soros, realizou-se o teste em grupos de baixo e alto risco. Dois terços dos conjuntos de alto risco tiveram que ser repetidos. A reduçäo do gasto de reagente foi de 80 por cento na populaçäo de baixo risco e de 13 por cento na amostra de alto risco. Estes dados sugerem que a pesquisa do anti-VHC em pool reduz o custo do procedimento em populaçöes de baixo risco