Preimmunisation hepatitis B screening in Singapore--a viewpoint from private sector clinics
Mah, G.K.; Yeo, A.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 19(3): 339-343
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 2144101 Document Number: 355886
Blood samples from 1,600 persons who sought immunisation against hepatitis B in private clinics in Singapore in 1988-1989 were screened for two viral markers. Of that total, 4.81% were positive for HBsAg and 17.31% had anti-HBs levels greater than 10 mIU/ml, indicating that about 22.12% of the general population would not benefit from immunisation . Preimmunisation screeing will identify persons not requiring the hepatitis B vaccine and thus, avoid wastage. When immunisation has already been performed without screening, recall for post-immunisation screeing should be considered in order to detect the infecious hepatitis B carriers. Data in this study indicates that at this point in time. it is important ot immunise adolescents and adults, in addition to neonates and children.