Abstract: Objective To observe the prevalence of hepatitis C infection in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD) patients and investigate the methods to prevent and control hepatitis C infection in our dialysis unit. Methods Anti-HCV were screened Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay(CMMI) method in 88 hemodialysis patients who receive regular hemodialysis more than 3 years. HCV-RNA were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.The relationship between the infection of hepatitisc virus and the dialysis duration、blood infusion、renal transplantation and hepatic function were analyzed. Results Nine patients(10.2%)were in anti-HCV positive,4 patients were HCV-RNA positive. The incidence of hepatitis C in MHD patients was 11.4%.After 3 years,there were no new infection.Five patients who were infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C had hepatic dysfunction and cirrhosis in earlier stages. Conclusion MHD patients have a higher risk of HCV infection than common people. There were significant correlation between hemodialysis duration、blood transfusion and renal transplantation.Strict isolation may effectively prevent hepatitis C infection in dialysis unit.Co-infection of Hepatitis B and hepatitis C in MHD patients should be attended strictly.

Key words: Hepatitis C virus