In order to plan the control of hepatitis C in our community, both in the general population and in hospitals, we need a clear picture of the prevalence and changing incidence of the infection in the overall population and in various subgroups.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the UK general population is not well established. Seroprevalence rates in established blood donors are very low (0.002% )1 indicating a low incidence of infection at the present time, after institution of blood screening and an increased general awareness of HCV in the medical community. However, this is a highly selected population and gives no indication of the prevalence in the general population. New blood donors are also selected, being devoid of groups at high risk of acquiring blood …