[Practical approach to the discovery of serum markers for infection by hepatitis B virus (HBs antigen or anti HBc antibody). Hypertransaminasemia or the two anomalies in a blood donor].

By now in France HBV seric markers (Ag HBs and Ac HBc) and transaminases level (ALT) screenings are compulsory by law in blood donors. People whose blood donation is discarded should be informed. A clinical, epidemiological and virological survey of such donors is required to differentiate healthy Ag HBs carriers and patients suffering from hepatitis B (who may eventually be treated). Similar guidelines may be recommended for the blood donors presenting high transaminases level without HBV seric markers in order to find a cause for such impaired biochemical tests: overweight, alcohol, drug consumption, auto-immune liver disease, genetic disorder, Non-A, Non-B, Non-C hepatitis....