Test for hepatitis B

Sanquin has tested all donated blood for hepatitis B since the 1970s.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. The inflammation of the liver may be accompanied by jaundice. You can become infected with the virus if it comes into contact with your blood, damaged skin or mucous membranes.

Most people who are infected with the virus are cured on their own, the body's immune system will eliminate the virus. A small percentage of infected people does not clear the infection. Over time, symptoms usually disappear, but the virus remains present in the blood. These chronic hepatitis B carriers remain contagious and are excluded for blood donation.