Applying RT-PCR Standard Detection Procedures of HBV and HCV in Wasit Blood Bank

Background: Blood and blood products are a unique and precious resource because they can be obtained only from individuals who donate blood or its components. Aim of the study: To increase the safety of blood given to patients by evaluating the addition of new investigations to detect HBV and HCV of donated blood in the blood bank. Patients and Methods: this study included 150 samples of blood taken from the blood bags of donors from the blood bank /Wasit Province. In this study used ELISA (as serological method) & RT-PCR (as molecular method) to detect infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Results: The results of ELISA test, from 150 analyzed samples, only 6/150 (4.0%) of the patients were diagnosed infection by HCV and 1/150 (0.6%) infection by HBV. The results of PCR test, (4.0%) and (5.3%) for HCV C and HBV respectively. Conclusion:  Diagnosis of hepatitis virus (B, C) by ELISA is still sufficient