Digestive endoscopy is not a major risk factor for transmitting hepatitis C virus.

Background: The potential role of digestive endoscopy as a mode for transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is controversial.

Objective: To evaluate the role of digestive endoscopy in transmitting HCV by comparing the incidence of HCV infection in a cohort of patients undergoing endoscopy and in a cohort of blood donors.

Design: Prospective cohort study.