@article {Koerner:June 1998:0042-9007:213,
	author = "Koerner, K.",
	author = "Cardoso, M.",
	author = "Dengler, Th.",
	author = "Kerowgan, M.",
	author = "Kubanek, B.",
	title = "Estimated Risk of Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus by Blood Transfusion",
	journal = "Vox Sanguinis",
	volume = "74",
	year = "June 1998",
	abstract = "<P></P><B>Objective</B>: The risk of transmitting hepatitis C (HCV) by transfusion of anti-HCV-negative screened blood was estimated for the blood donor population of Baden-W&#252;rttemberg (southwestern Germany). <B>Methods</B>: The data from the blood donors screened for anti-HCV and for HBsAg during 1990-1995 were analyzed. <B>Results</B>: The prevalence of confirmed anti-HCV-positive blood donations decreased continuously during the last 5 years, reaching 121 per 100,000 blood donations. A higher anti-HCV prevalence rate was found in female than in male blood donors (p&#60;0.05). The estimated risk of transmitting HCV during the window period is 1:200,000 (1:97,000-1:1,400,000) for repeat donors. In 1995, the calculated risk for first-time donors was 1:20,000 (1:15,000-28,000). The incidence for HCV was 1.2 per 100,000 blood donations. <B>Conclusion</B>: The risk of transmitting hepatitis C by blood transfusion is low. Additional tests to shorten the window period to detect antibodies to HCV might increase the safety of blood transfusion.",
	pages = "213-216(4)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/vox/1998/00000074/00000004/art00001"
	doi = "doi:10.1046/j.1423-0410.1998.7440213.x"
}