Screening of pregnant women for evidence of current hepatitis B infection: selective or universal?

This paper reports the findings of a retrospective survey which assessed the accuracy of the selective screening programme for hepatitis B infection. The survey was undertaken in the antenatal clinics of West Lambeth Health Authority during 1988 and 1990. Forty per cent of hepatitis B positive patients were not screened, which highlights the problems associated with selective screening programmes. The implications for obstetricians and midwives are discussed, and recommendations are made.