Epidemiological profile of hepatitis C in blood donors at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center

the aim of the present study was to outline the serological profile of hepatitis c among blood donors seen at the uberaba regional blood center, hemominas foundation, over the last 14 years. the frequency of hepatitis c was compared between first-time and repeat donors and the epidemiological characteristics of those with positive and indeterminate elisa anti-hcv (third and fourth generation) were analyzed based on the donor histories kept in the archives of the uberaba regional blood center. the serological ineligibility rate was 0.3%, with higher prevalence in the group of first-time donors. we did not find any significant differences regarding age, skin color, marital status or place of residence between eligible and ineligible donors; however, the frequency of positive serology was higher among men. the lower (0.3%) rate of ineligibility due to hepatitis c that was observed at the uberaba regional blood center, in relation to most brazilian blood centers, is probably due to the large number of repeat donors (83.3%). this reinforces the importance of achieving donor commitment for increasing transfusion safety.