Testing the Blood Supply?

Chronological Breakdown

1950’s:

Test developed to detect ALT, an enzyme that occurs at much higher levels in people with hepatitis.

1960’s:

(Still working on this, can’t find anything as of yet)

1970’s:

Researchers develop blood tests to detect hepatitis types A and B.

1981-1983:

Debate in medical journals and among health officials over use of ALT test to detect hepatitis C.

1986:

All blood banks are using ALT test and another indirect hepatitis C test routinely.

1990’s:

Test that specifically detects hepatitis C routinely used to screen donated blood.