What does it take to kill HCV in freeze-dried “coagulaion factor concentrates” like Factor VIII (for Hemophilia A).

Unfortunately, the freeze-drying process itself doesn’t do the job. (In a machine, freeze it to perhaps −50 °C/-58 F; lower pressure; water vaporizes; secondary drying:  heat to remove unfrozen water molecules; seal in a vial for years.)

It takes great effort, knowledge, time, materials, and the right mix of conditions to kill HCV. 

World Health Organization writes:

HCV is inactivated by
– exposure to lipid solvents or detergents
– heating at 60°C for 10 h or 100°C for 2 min in aqueous solution
– formaldehyde (1:2000) at 37°C for 72 h
– ß-propriolactone
– UV irradiation

In a 1995 book, Modern Transfusion Medicine: A Practical Approach (edited by Derwood H. Pamphilon) page 38, found in Google Books, these deactivation methods are noted: 

Dry heat:  72 hours at 80 C (80 degree Celsius = 176 degree Fahrenheit)
Steam heat: 10 hours 60 C (60 degree Celsius = 140 degree Fahrenheit)
Solvent detergent combos: treat 6 hours then remove.

If HCV can still be potent in untreated freeze-dried blood components reconstituted with water, think how potent it is when living in warm whole blood, clinging to the surface of a wet jet-jun nozzle.  Or a razor.  Or hairclippers.  Or dental implements.  Or hands.

When VA examiners report to BVA judges that there is “scant” evidence regarding the link between jet-guns and HCV, they are concealing other facts that could tip the scale in favor of the veteran in many if not most HCV claims.

Today, to help keep us safe, scientists freeze-dry virus specimens, including HCV, store them for years and run tests on them.