Hepatitis of Unknown Origin

Must not donate if:
Less than 24 months from recovery.

a) If more than 12 months, but less than 24 months from recovery, obtain history and blood samples and refer to a Designated Medical Officer.

b) If more than 24 months from recovery, accept.

If more than 12 months and less than 24 months from recovery:

c) If negative for all markers of hepatitis B, accept.

d) If HB core antibody is positive and HBsAg is negative, HBV-DNA is negative and anti-HBs has been documented at more than 100 iu/l at some time, accept.

Must not donate if:
Less than 12 months from recovery of the last affected person in the home.

Sexual Partner of Affected Individuals above.

Most hepatitis of unknown origin will have been due to hepatitis A or hepatitis E (or non-viral causes).  Additional testing for those who give a history of hepatitis between 12 and 24 months before donation will exclude the rare case of HBV which may have delayed clearance of infection and therefore will still present a risk through donation.

Clarification regarding hepatitis B markers has been added to the additional information.