Hepatitis C

Compared with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C is a relatively less frequent infectious disease in Hong Kong. About 1 in 200 of the local population is a Hepatitis C carrier. Most of the infected individuals do not have symptoms of infection but the body cannot get rid of the virus after infection and become chronic infection. Infection is mainly transmitted through blood, e.g. usage of tainted and non-sterilised instruments in acupuncture, injections and tattoo.

The majority of Hepatitis C carriers remain healthy for many years with no sign or symptom of the illness. Some carriers show abnormal findings in their liver function testing from time to time. However, like Hepatitis B carriers, they are more prone to develop serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver malignancy.

Blood tested positive for Hepatitis C will be discarded. The donor will be informed of the test result and appropriate medical counselling will be provided.