What kind of screening is done by the blood banks in India?
Ans. It is mandatory for all blood banks to collect blood donations only from healthy, volunteers. At Jeevan Blood Bank all donors are subjected to a complete pre-donation evaluation. Prior to donation, donor blood is tested for ABO group (blood type) and Rh type (positive or negative). Screening tests are performed for Hepatitis B (HBsAg and Anti HBc), Hepatitis C (Anti HCV), HIV 1 & 2 (HIV Antigen & Antibodies), and Leptospira (IgM antibody) by ELISA Test, Malaria by Chromatography, Syphilis and SGPT (Photometry) In addition Jeevan has also implemented Nucleic Acid Test (NAT), approved by FDA, to detect viral DNA/RNA in donor blood for Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV1. NAT is the most sensitive form of testing available in the world that tests the DNA/RNA of the blood unlike testing antibodies or antigens in blood as is usually done. The window period where viruses could be in the blood but don’t show up, is considerably reduced. Ques. How has technology helped blood banking? Ans. A
