Which test is not required by AABB and is therefore optional during donor blood testing?

• A. Anti-HBs
• B. HIV antibody
• C. Anti-HBc
• D. HBsAg

Answer: (C)

Donor screening focuses on detecting current, transmissible infections to protect recipients. AABB requires tests that identify active infection, such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV antibodies. The hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) tracks prior exposure to HBV, not necessarily current infectious status, and is not part of the mandatory panel. While anti-HBc can be informative in certain circumstances (e.g., assessing occult HBV exposure), it is optional under AABB standards. In contrast, HBsAg flags active HBV infection, and HIV antibody detects HIV infection, both of which are essential for donor safety. The Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) indicates immunity from vaccination or prior infection and is not used to screen for current infectivity, so it’s also not part of the required safety panel.