Evaluation of nucleic acid testing for blood donors: One year study

Abstract

Aims: Blood transfusion is an essential management to save patients life in health care system. Blood is a potential source of transmitted diseases which make the safety of blood products important issue in laboratory medicine. Investigations of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI), especially hepatitis viruses and acquired immunodeficiency virus, are essential in all blood bank policies. Several methods were applied to screen blood products for hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses and acquired immunodeficiency virus. Methods: Blood donor's samples for one year were collected and examined for hepatitis viruses and acquired immunodeficiency virus by using serological and nucleic acid testing (NAT). Results: Comparative study showed that NAT is more specific than serologic screening testing for both hepatitis C virus and acquired immunodeficiency virus. However, NAT and serological tests are required to increase the safety of blood components from hepatitis B virus transmission. Conclusion: This study is an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing NAT for examination of blood components. National-wide study is required to evaluate the policy of blood screening program.