NAT test for early detection of hepatitis B – C

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are quite common blood-borne diseases. Accordingly, testing that excludes these two conditions, along with HIV or other conditions, is a mandatory requirement for the reception of donated blood units. If in the past, the "window" time was a huge obsession, nowadays, with NAT testing, this is no longer too difficult.

1. What is a NAT test?

The Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) is a technique used to detect a specific chain of nucleic acids in a specimen. Thanks to this technique, the detection and identification of a specific species or subspecies of the organism, usually viruses or bacteria that act as a pathogen in the blood, tissues, urine … becomes easier than before.

The mechanism of NAT tests is different from previous tests that they help detect genetic material (RNA or DNA) rather than antigens or antibodies. Precisely because the detection of genetic materials will allow clinicians to diagnose suspected pathology much earlier rather than waiting for time to detect antigens and/or antibodies when they begin to appear in the blood.

Since the amount of genetic material of a certain species is usually very small, the process of performing NAT consists of several processes. The first is the need to amplify genetic material, followed by the creation of many copies of them. Therefore, such a NAT test is also known as the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). There are several ways of amplification used in this technique, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), strand displacement assay (SDA) or transcription mediated assay (TMA).

Nucleic Acid Test (NAT)

Nucleic Acid Test (NAT)

The application of NAT testing in Medicine today is to diagnose scocterosis and other Neisserial infections as in gonorrhea; diagnosis of urogenital infections caused by C. trachomatis; detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the organ and detection of genetic material of HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C in donated blood.

2. How to conduct NAT testing?

A NAT test begins with a specimen, usually blood, that is "lumped" (or accumulated) along with various blood samples in the laboratory. If the results of a group of these samples are negative, it will mean that all samples in this group are negative.

Cons, if the results of this group are positive, the samples will be tested in smaller groups and then individually until the positive sample is actually determined. At this time, when a blood sample has been determined to be positive, the result will be notified to the patient or treating doctor to plan appropriate intervention.

In addition, for specimens that are donated blood, the blood bag due to be destroyed and the result will also be secretly notified to the donor. From there, they will actively access appropriate examinations and treatments as well as actively prevent infection to family members and the community.

Laboratory

NAT testing is performed at the laboratory

3. How is the application of NAT testing in early detection of hepatitis B and C?

Over the past few decades, great advances in Medicine have made great achievements in blood testing screening for infectious pathogens. In particular, attention should be paid to nat testing techniques in the early detection of viruses that cause hepatitis B and hepatitis C in donated blood.

The fact is that NAT can completely replace antigen and antibody tests as before, NAT is still used in addition to these tests to increase sensitivity and specificity to detect donated blood bags that have been infected.

Not only that, thanks to NAT testing, the risk of transmission during the "window" of these diseases will be able to be excluded even with a very small amount of genetic material, not enough to form an antigen – antibody reaction. From there, nat tests help detect hepatitis B and C early in donated blood bags, increase the number of blood bags to the person who needs blood as well as extend the shelf life of these blood bags.

Hepatitis B virus is 50-100 times more likely to transmit than HIV virus

NAT test helps detect hepatitis virus

However, some individuals with pre-existing hepatitis C or HIV may still be negative for a NAT test if the amount of virus present in the blood has fallen below detection. This is still possible for patients who have actively treated and responded to good therapy (although these people have been advised not to participate in blood donation at any time). In such cases, antibody recognition tests with the virus will still be performed to detect hepatitis C or HIV.

In summary, thanks to advances in medicine, NAT testing is one of the outstanding and quite applicable achievements. From there, the "window" time for detection of hepatitis B and C is shortened, ensuring safer, prevention of infectious diseases in patients who need blood transfusions.

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SEE MORE:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B under the guidance of the Ministry of Health
  • Tests to be done to diagnose hepatitis C
  • Window-stage HIV testing: What to know

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SEE MORE:

  • NAT test helps diagnose hepatitis B – C early, accurately
  • Instructions for viewing hepatitis B test results
  • Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B under the guidance of the Ministry of Health

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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