ABSTRACT
One thousand two hundred and seventeen (1217) blood specimens from non-cauterized blood donors were tested for HBsAg by counterimmunoelectrophoresis technique: 48 specimens were positive giving an incidence of 3.95%; specimens from 99 blood donors with cautery marks were tested side by side using the same technique, 3 specimens were positive giving an incidence of 3.05%. These results show that Sudan can be considered among the countries with very high prevalence of HBsAg. This emphasizes the importance of testing every unit of blood or blood product before transfusion. This high prevalence is mainly attributable to the use of common improperly sterilized water-boiled syringes, needles and surgical instruments. The results also show that the incidence of HBsAg among cauterized donors is not higher than among non-cauterized; thus routine rejection of cauterized citizens from giving blood at the reception stage is unjustified as it adds to the problem of shortage of blood in Sudan.
