Dr Lloyd wrote to Dr Gunson outlining his reasons for commencing anti-HCV testing in the Northern Region earlier than other RTCs in July 1991. He stated the decision to start testing was based on an imperfect test, but a test that was nonetheless available and which detected a group of people who appeared to be positive for the antibody. The comparative study of the Abbott and Ortho kits would not have influenced his decision as to whether or not to start testing.