Letter from Dr V J Martlew to Dr Peter Simpson regarding antibody test for Hep C. Intended to set a few facts on paper in case the media attention led to requests for information by the Mersey Regional Health Authority. Martlew writes that his impression is that screening for anti HCV will identify many carriers of Non A Non B Hepatitis but that this virus is probably only one of the causes of that condition. At the moment he opines he does not believe there are facilities for appropriate confirmatory testing available and it would not therefore be appropriate to introduce screening immediately. Raises concerns at the anticipated loss of 1.2% of our donor population saying this is another very good reason for energetic recruiting of blood donors. Anticipated cost of testing 220000. Will introduce bid for resources into the short term programme for next year.