What is NAT.....
Nucleic Acid (RNA / DNA) Amplification Testing (NAT) is the next technologic advance in screening blood for infectious viruses. It detects very low levels of viral RNA or DNA that may be present in donated blood. It is highly sensitive & specific and targets specific viral nucleic acid sequences. NAT assists in diagnosing infections at an earlier stage and therefore and can prevent transfusion transmitted infections.
Blood transfusion centers around the world have introduced Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) to reduce the risk of hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) transmission by blood donations drawn in the infectious window phase.
NAT - A step closer to the goal of providing "Zero Risk - Safe Blood"
Nucleic Acid (RNA / DNA) Amplification Testing (NAT) for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV) has proven to reduce the "window period" between acquiring the infection and detection.
NAT assists in detecting infections at an earlier stage and therefore can identify infections which may be negative by conventional serology methods. NAT prevents transfusion transmitted infections.
Improving the safety of donated blood and blood products through Nucleid Acid Amplification Testing (NAT).
Classic Development of HIV Markers
The diagram illustrates the "window period". It shows that anti HIV-1 antibodies are detected weeks after infection. However the viral RNA is detected much earlier.
Schreiber et al. N Engl J Med 1996;334:1685.
McDonough et al. Infusionsther Transfusionsmed 1998;25:164
The Technology
Window Period Closure
Diagram demonstrates that with individual testing of HIV-1, HCV and HBV, the window period reduction is most (maximum) in comparison to pooled testing or antigen/antibody detection techniques.
Busch et al. Transfusion. 2005;45(2):254-264., Kleinman and Busch,
J Clin Virol, 2006;36:S23-S29. Data on file at Chiron, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc.
This information is for educational purpose. It does not intend to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand the technology.
