Re: Weird hepatitis B test results

On Aug 20, 3:15 pm, ri...@xxxxxxxxx (Rich Wales) wrote:
Robert1 wrote:

> In the past the gold standard for hepatitis B was the HBsAg
> testing. People were interested in detecting active viral
> particles in carrier and in chronic hepatitis states for
> preventing transmission and for diagnosing hepatitis B.

So, then, it sounds like it's possible that during the period when
I routinely donated blood (up through the early 1980's), the only
kind of hepatitis B testing done on my blood might have been for
an active infection -- and that if I had been exposed to HBV long
before donating, it probably wouldn't have been noticed because
anti-HBc screening of donations didn't start till the mid-1980's,
right? I assume that would mean it's probably impossible at this
time to pin down when I might have been exposed to HBV -- assuming
that my anti-HBc results were truly genuine and not false positives.

A agree it would be hard to pin-point the time of exposure without any
hard data and periodic screening which was never really recommended
then and today. The use of liver enzymes in the comprehensive
chemistry panel has been helpful in detecting hepatitis or the use of
liver enzymes in monitoring medications. Unfortunately chronic
carriers do not have elevated liver enzymes ie active hepatitis and
the only way to catch these carriers is through serological hepatitis
testing. Those with resolved hepatitis episodes have nothing to worry
about except in a setting of donating blood. The only concern I would
have with regards to exposure are family members by you or from you
during your bout with hepatitis. As mentioned there is no confirmatory
testing for anti-HBc as to false positive evaluation. The only thing
mentioned I have seen referred to with that regard is a challenge dose
of vaccine and seeing the titer go up rapidly vs a primary exposure.
It seems it was too late for that to and so life goes on.


I followed the link you posted and read the 2004 draft document on
possible "reentry" of donors deferred for anti-HBc reactivity:

http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/04/briefing/2004-4074b1_01_topic%...

One part of the above document intrigued me. It says that:

"The FDA does not [i.e., as of October 2004] recommend that
Source Plasma donors be tested for anti-HBc. . . . Plasma
units that are untested, nonreactive, or repeatedly reactive
for anti-HBc are currently acceptable for the manufacture of
plasma derivatives . . . ."

This sounds like they're saying that someone like me, who currently
tests reactive both to anti-HBc (for reasons possibly in dispute)
and anti-HBs (because I was vaccinated last year), could qualify as
a donor for "source plasma" (that means they would take some of my
plasma and use it for purposes other than directly transfusing it
to someone else, right?). If so, perhaps this is something I might
want to look into, since I would be happy to donate whatever I can,
even if I'm currently (and possibly permanently) unable to make an
ordinary donation of whole blood. Comments?

Yes indeed as all blood products that are meant for transfusion per
say as whole blood products, red cells, platelets and plasma must be
voluntary. All other by-products or derivatives need not be voluntary.
In short there are plasma centers that would pay for a pint of blood.
Most of the blood banks where donations are held are non-profit and
distribute the blood to hospitals for use. Blood derivatives are
obtained by for profit companies. These companies sell anti-
hemophiliac factor usually derived however from genetically engineered
none human sources to avoid infectious agents.
When human sources are used, these derivatives can be easily
sterilized.
Commercial blood banks can provide solvent/detergent plasma that
inactivates enveloped viruses, HIV, HCV, and HBV. The problem is
expense and so it really isn't clinically used much as I have never
seen it in use.
Unfortunately, I think you will get black-balled by your local
community blood bank and would be welcomed by your local plasma center
should would give you some money for the blood.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Weird hepatitis B test results
    ... After donating blood in 2001, I was informed by the blood bank ... that my blood had tested "reactive" to the hepatitis B core ... anti-HBc twice, I would be permanently barred from giving blood. ... vaccination had worked and that I am now immune. ...
    (sci.med)
  • Re: Weird hepatitis B test results
    ... After donating blood in 2001, I was informed by the blood bank ... that my blood had tested "reactive" to the hepatitis B core ... Possibly unfortunately, no anti-HBs tests ... possibility can be ruled out by a vaccine challenge and following the ...
    (sci.med)
  • Re: i just want to ask if my hepa b status is contagious...
    ... The term "hepatitis" refers to syndromes or diseases causing liver ... chronic, life-long infection. ... Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood and other body fluids. ...
    (sci.med)
  • Weird hepatitis B test results
    ... After donating blood in 2001, I was informed by the blood bank ... that my blood had tested "reactive" to the hepatitis B core ... anti-HBc twice, I would be permanently barred from giving blood. ... vaccination had worked and that I am now immune. ...
    (sci.med)
  • How Is Hepatitis C Spread?
    ... The hepatitis C virus is spread through contact with infected ... Common routes of infection include blood transfusions before ... Needlestick injuries can occur from handling hypodermic needles, ... These infections are called sporadic or community-acquired infections. ...
    (soc.culture.burma)