NAT SCREENED -The safest blood
Though most of the blood banks use ELISA as a gold standard to detect HIV/HBV/HCV, but PCR technology detection reduces the window period to a great extent. NAT screening for blood is one of the best available technology based on real time PCR .It amplifies and detects RNA/DNA of viruses
Advantages of Nucleic Acid tested(NAT)Blood
1.Shortens the window period to a great extent.
VIRUS NAT SEROLOGICAL METHODS**
| VIRUS |
NATS |
SEROLOGICAL METHODS** |
| HBV
|
6-15 days*x |
30-62 days* |
| HCV |
10-12 days * |
25-82 days* |
| HIV
|
10-12 days* |
20-25 days* |
*Numbers and facts are based on the general immunity conditions.
** Ranges from card test to Elisa fourth generation /CLIA
2. Detects occult HBV cases.
3. Detects immunosilent donors and
Thereby, NAT tested blood is taken as world’s safest blood till date.