Should antibody to hepatitis B core antigen be tested in routine screening of donor corneas for transplant?

Purpose. A review of The literature on transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases shows that antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti- HBc) is not presently viewed as helpful for hepatitis C or hepatitis non-ABC screening of blood donors. Its utility as a screen for hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is controversial among experts. Methods. We compare relevant aspects of the screening of blood donations and the screening of cornea transplant donors to assess implications for the screening of donor corneas. Conclusion. We conclude that there is not sufficient evidence to warrant introducing anti-HBc as a routine screening test for cornea donors.