Impact of Routine Individual Blood Donor Nucleic Acid Testing (ID NAT) for Hiv-1, Hcv and Hbv on Blood Safety in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: India has a high prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among general population and blood donors. We implemented routine Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) apart from regular serological testing to strengthen our blood safety programme. Objectives: (i) to observe NAT yield for these viruses among our hospital's blood donors. (ii) To improve safe blood transfusion practices. Materials and Methods: 22277 samples were individually tested by serology for HIVAb, HCVAb, HBsAg, HBcAb and by NAT-Procleix® Ultrio® Assay (Chiron Corp. Emeryville, CA) for simultaneous detection of HIV-1, HCV, and HBV. Results: There were 7 NAT yield cases (3 HCV and 4 HBV) which were reactive for NAT but serologically non reactive by mandatory serological tests. Interpretation & Conclusions: Our observed NAT yield for all 3 viruses is 1 in 3182 (0.03%), which is very high when compared to other countries. NAT can reduce the Transfusion Transmitted Infections considerably & improve blood safety.