Since 1950, our laboratory has conducted a continuous program, directed toward the sterilization of blood and its components, against the hepatitis virus.1 Out of 700 chemical, physical, and physicochemical agents evaluated with virus seeded blood and plasma, propiolactone (β-propiolactone; Betaprone) has consistently proved to be the most effective drug and ultraviolet the most suitable physical agent. The essential properties for this conclusion are:
1. Virucidal potency
2. Lack of toxicity of the final product
3. Best preservation of the physiological properties of the blood components
4. Lack of allergic reactions
5. The wide margin of safety between virucidal concentration and toxicity levels
Various methods have been recommended for the sterilization of human plasma against the hepatitis agent. Since the hepatitis virus is not available for laboratory studies, data can only be obtained from those laboratory viruses which are more resistant to physical and chemical inactivation and from human volunteer