Delhi opts for quicker,accurate test in blood banks

The existing serological tests screen the blood for antibodies produced against the viruses. This takes 15 to 30 days.

The current tests do not take into account the “window period” of diseases,during which viruses are latent. If the donor’s antibodies have not been produced and he or she is in the window period,the donated blood may not test positive,despite the presence of the virus.

Delhi will become the second state after Karnataka to adopt this improved technology in government blood banks and those run by Red Cross Society. The government has invited tenders for a public-private partnership for the test.

All donated blood has to undergo the test,which is considered more sensitive,to detect diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis.

Quicker test results will also mean faster availability of blood for the recipient.

Health Minister Dr A K Walia said: “This is a big step that we think will improve the quality of blood in our banks. The window period has been a perennial problem in blood transfusion and this will be controlled to a great extent by NAT.”

“We had complaints from patients alleging transmission of diseases like HIV through blood transfusion. But these could not be substantiated. Now,these problems will be eliminated,” he said.

The test costs between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 in private blood banks. Since the government will be conducting the tests,no extra charge will be levied on the patients.

Walia said the private partner would provide two machines in every blood bank for the tests,collect samples from banks and hire staff. The government will pay the private party for every sample on a monthly basis.

The project will cover Red Cross blood banks,which cater to many thalassemia patients in government hospitals.