Abstract
One liter of strongly Australia antigen positive plasma was subjected to a modified Cohn fractionation and samples from the various steps of the process were assayed quantitatively for Australia antigen. More than 85% of the original quantity of Australia antigen was recovered from fraction IV. Intermediate amounts,about 2%, were found in fraction III and in the washing fluids after the fibrinogen wash. The final fibrinogen product had no detectable Australia antigen. About 1 %of the antigen was recovered from the albumin. γ-Globulin before treatment with DEAE-Sephadex had a low content, about 0.1% of the original amount of antigen,whereas DEAE-Sephadex treated material (final gammaglobulin) was free of demonstrable Au-antigen. The findings are discussed in relation to clinical reports on hepatitis risks connected with the various products.