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An economic reappraisal of hepatitis B virus testing strategy for blood donors in Taiwan
Author(s) -
Matanhire Tapiwa Blessing,
Lin ShiWoei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/vox.13045
Subject(s) - hbsag , nat , medicine , hepatitis b virus , virology , hepatitis b , immunology , virus , statistics , mathematics
Background and objectives Taiwan is among the few hepatitis B virus (HBV) high‐endemic countries that implement universal mini‐pool nucleic acid testing (MP‐NAT) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing together with confirmatory individual donor nucleic acid testing (ID‐NAT) for its blood supply since 2013. The aim of this study was to reappraise the value of HBsAg test in Taiwan’s HBV testing strategy. Materials and methods A Markov model was constructed, and cost‐effectiveness analysis was conducted in order to reappraise the existing HBV screening strategy in Taiwan. Results The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the current testing strategy in Taiwan was estimated to be $US 443 154 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained. This is almost six times the willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold that reflects local preferences. Conclusion Universal HBsAg and MP‐8‐NAT together with confirmatory ID‐NAT testing prevents a significant amount of HBV infections from entering the Taiwan blood supply. However, this comes at a disproportionate increase in cost.