SPECIFIC AND SUBSTITUTE MARKERS OF HEPATI TIS-C IN SCREENING DONOR BLOOD

The efficacy of specific and substitute markers of hepatitis C was com pared in donor blood screening. 2615 blood donors were examined using two EIA kits for detection of HCV antibodies. The presence of nonspeci fic markers of non-A non-B hepatitis was also checked. 1.3% of the don ors were found to carry HCV antibodies. This necessitates donor blood testing for anti HCV-antibodies using EIA. Such measure reduces three- fold the risk of the virus transmission with blood components and prep arations: The preference should be given to more sensitive test system s of the second generation, whereas less sensitive, but more specific, test systems are more valuable for accurate diagnosis and treatment e ffects assessment in HCV infection. It would be appropriate to perform compulsory examinations for HCV infection in medical staff. This will entail efforts on development of the infection diagnostic verificatio n criteria and preventive measures.