Hematology/oncology clinics of North America
-
Hematol. Oncol. Clin. North Am. · Feb 1995
ReviewTransfusion-transmitted hepatitis virus infection.
For many years, viral hepatitis has been considered to be a frequent and serious adverse outcome of blood transfusion. The majority of cases have been due to hepatitis B and C viruses, which, respectively, are DNA and RNA viruses. Both are lipid enveloped and are susceptible to viral inactivation procedures. Careful donor screening and the use tests for HBsAg and anti-HBc have essentially eliminated the risk of transfusion-transmitted HBV infection.