[HCV antibodies in selected patient groups and blood donors]

Abstract

In a multicenter study in three eastern German blood banks, we searched for HCV antibodies in polytransfused patients, unpaid donors, hemodialysis patients and hemophiliacs. The high seropositivity of HCV antibodies in polytransfused patients shows the danger of the transmission of HCV through the transfusion of blood. Therefore, blood banks should consider making HCV antibody screening of the blood of donors a part of the policy to reduce NANB PTH.