With the introduction of HBV NAT, is the Blood Service likely to find existing blood donors who have OBI?
Our HBV screening algorithm combining universal HBsAg screening and a “history of hepatitis” (HOH) protocol has substantially reduced the risk of transfusion transmitted HBV infection in Australia. The current estimated residual risk being 1 in 739,000. This residual risk benchmarks well against other comparable international blood service. All donors must complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire and sign a declaration form relating to risk factors for transfusion transmissible infections. Each donor also participates in a confidential interview to determine their eligibility to donate. Potential donors who declare symptoms or a history of hepatitis undergo additional testing (ie, anti-HBc and anti-HBs and, if necessary, HBV DNA testing) to further determine their eligibility to donate. This HOH protocol does partially address the risk of having a donor with OBI. However, as individuals who have HBV infection may be asymptomatic (50% to 70% of cases), it is possible that a donor
