RESUMEN
This study aims to compare the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the new American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) guidelines for hepatitis B and C against its old criteria for screening blood donors. Between July 1995 and December 2002, 63,368 consecutive blood donors were screening for hepatitis B and C according to the new guidelines. Cost and prevalence were analysed and compared with those found using the old AABB guidelines prior to July 1995. The overall percentage rate of deferred donors showed a significantly decrease to 19.3% in 2002, compared to 58.4% before July 1995 (P < 0.001). The new prevalence of hepatitis B and C among Saudi blood donors was found to be 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively, compared to 4% and 1.4%, respectively, under the old AABB guidelines. This resulted in a significant increase in the number and yield of blood units, and a decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C was observed among screened donors. Using the new AABB guidelines, the estimated direct cost of donor screening for hepatitis B and C decreased significantly from 42.8 dollars per donor to 29.2 dollars per donor (P<0.001).