Since November 1999, all blood donations collected by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service – IBTS – are screened by PCR for hepatitis C. PCR testing is a further safeguard aimed at improving the detection of hepatitis C during the window period. The typical length of the window period without PCR testing is ten to 14 weeks. Following the introduction of PCR testing, this window period is reduced to on average 25 days. In order to introduce this test as rapidly as possible, the IBTS contracted with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service – SNBTS – in Edinburgh to conduct the test on its behalf. The SNBTS was selected as it has an aggressive programme for the introduction of PCR testing for all donations. The transfusion service in Northern Ireland has also contracted with the SNBTS for PCR.