Hepatitis-Associated Markers in the American Red Cross Blood Donor Population

Abstract

A total of 20,643 samples ofblood donated to three American Red Cross Blood Service regions were tested for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in order to evaluate and understand its significance and implications. All 20,643 samples were nonreactive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) when screened at the regions. Overall, 2.2% of all samples were found to have anti-HBc, and a total of 16 had anti-HBc in the absence of antibodies to surface antigen (anti-HBs) activity. 1 of the 16 samples with anti-HBc in the absence of anti-HBs was found to have HBsAg when tested by a sensitive procedural modification of the Ausria II test. Samples with low levels of anti-HBc activity were significantly more likely to be negative for anti-HBs.

Establishment of passive hemagglutination assay (PHA) system for anti-HBc in plasma.

“…The ratios of anti-HBc positive in blood donors are reported to be 2-3% in the USA (Irwin et al 1977;Nath et al 1983) and the Netherland (Katchaki et al 1979), and 11% in Italy (Ascione et al 1981). As shown in Fig.…”