In cases of hepatitis due to blood transfusions, which virus is screened pre-1992?

In the context of hepatitis resulting from blood transfusions, before 1992, the primary virus that was screened for was Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Although Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant cause of post-transfusion hepatitis, routine screening for HCV was not implemented until 1992, following the identification of the virus in 1989. Prior to this, blood banks worldwide focused on screening for HBV, which is more easily transmitted through infected blood.

Additionally, screening practices also included tests for HIV and Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV); however, these were not as central to transfusion-related hepatitis as HBV. These other viruses have their own screening protocols, but HBV testing was crucial in preventing hepatitis among transfusion recipients because of its prevalence and ability to cause significant liver complications.

Thus, for blood transfusion screening practices prior to 1992, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) was the primary focus, while HCV became a major target of screening after its identification and subsequent association with transfusion-related hepatitis.