Hepatitis B surface antigen--3 years experience.

ABSTRACT

Epidemiological surveillance of Hepatitis B surface antigen in the city of Hyderabad at our Institute shows that the incidence of HBsAg is considerably high among the general population. In a comparative evaluation of the two techniques used, RPHA and ELISA, the latter emerged as a reliable one with high specificity and sensitivity. Screening of all blood samples by ELISA is imperative for uniform reporting of the incidence. Non risk groups like voluntary blood donors, cardiac patients serve as potential reservoirs of HBV infection.