China's health authorities stressed Friday a ban of hepatitis B tests for college admission and employment, saying checks, if necessary due to occupational requirements, are subjected to the Health Ministry's approval.

A notice of the ministry reiterated that health institutions are not allowed to give hepatitis B virus (HBV) tests in health checks carried out for college admission and job recruitment, a policy introduced in February to prevent discrimination on HBV carriers.

If candidates' liver functions must be tested to qualify special job posts, the checks must get approval from the Health Ministry, the notice said.

The notice also said health institutions cannot provide HBV tests in regular health checks unless at the request of testers, in which case reports must be sealed and handed directly to testers or someone they entrust.

Clinical tests must seek consent from patients and their privacy should be respected, according to the notice.

Previously, an HBV test was a must on the health check list for college admission and job recruitment, and carriers were usually denied the opportunities, which caused complaints of discrimination and calls for a ban of such tests.

The World Health Organization says HBV is transmitted from mother to child, through unsafe injections practices, blood transfusions or sexual contacts, and it cannot be transmitted through casual contact.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2010)