HIV-1 and HCV Infections among Antibody-Negative Blood Donors

Abstract
As reported by Stramer et al. (Aug. 19 issue),1 testing for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) by nucleic acid amplification with the use of minipools has markedly reduced the transmission of HIV-1 and HCV through blood products. Testing of individual units is now being considered, but such a procedure would still not completely abolish transmission.2