Should antibody to hepatitis B core antigen be tested in routine screening of donor corneas for transplant?

Abstract

Purpose: A review of the literature on transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases shows that antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) is not presently viewed as helpful for hepatitis C or hepatitis non-ABC screening of blood donors. Its utility as a screen for hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is controversial among experts.

Methods: We compare relevant aspects of the screening of blood donations and the screening of cornea transplant donors to assess implications for the screening of donor corneas.

Conclusion: We conclude that there is not sufficient evidence to warrant introducing anti-HBc as a routine screening test for cornea donors.