Does Nat Screen For Hiv 1 And 2

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Articles

FDA Approves First Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) System to Screen Whole Blood Donors for Infections With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

The Food and Drug Administration has licensed the first nucleic acid test (NAT) system intended for screening donors of whole blood and blood components intended for use in transfusion. This test system can simultaneously detect the presence of HIV... Read more »

FDA Approval of NAT for Detection of HIV-2, HIV-1 Groups O and M, and Hepatitis B and C

On December 30, 2008, FDA approved the first nucleic acid test (NAT) that screens for the presence of two divergent types of HIV in donated blood plasma and human tissue. Nucleic acid is the term commonly used to refer to the chemical compounds that... Read more »

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

South Africa: Transfusion of Blood Safer From HIV Than Ever

The introduction of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for HIV by the South African National Blood Service has significantly cut the risk of being infected through transfusion, an SANBS official said recently. The remark followed reports of a... Read more »

Ask the Experts

PCR RNA vs NAT used in blood screening

Hi MarkI read from archives that PCR-RNA test is a form of NAT testing...I also read that blood donation is screened via NAT...Normally, the experts recommend not to use PCR RNA for diagnostic purpose because of cost and high false positive...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

NAT testing is US FDA approved for blood testing at blood centers for donated blood. It is not approved for routine diagnostic testing of individual patients. There are a variety of reasons for differences in perceived test performance. Because of... Read more »

HIV-1 antibody POS, NAT negative

I went to give blood last month. They mailed me this letter saying that HIV-1 is positive, NAT is negative and to follow up with my doc. WHAT? I am extremely low risk person and am very freaked out right now. I am moving forward with my doctor...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,The NAT test is more specific than the screening anti-HIV antibody test. Consequently your "positive HIV-1" and negative NAT would suggest the HIV-1 result was a false-positive. This would go along with your "extremely low... Read more »

HIV NAT, Antigen Testing

Doctor,I have heard that NAT testing and Antigen testing is the most accurate testing yet to test for HIV infection before antibodies are even formed and these tests can detect HIV within 2 weeks after an exposure. If you were tested with these 2...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

Antibody assays (ELISA/EIA, Western Blot) are the most reliable methods for screening for HIV infection. Most people will develop a detectable level of antibodies within the first month of infection, but tests are not considered accurate until three... Read more »

NAT Testing

I have read about the new NAT testing that is being implemented to screen the USA's blood supply. How are these tests better than what is currently being used? Are these tests going to cover all of the subtypes in the HIV 1 spectrum?...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Yes. MH... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

NAT testing

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Does anyone know anything about Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) I was told that blood banks use it to seek the virus in donated Blood. How effective is it? I have had numberous negitive Elisa test from home Access over the past six months( with no risky... Read more »

hiv rna / nat testing

Posted by nomoreworry4me, 1 Reply

does this test cuts the window period , I took this type of test out too 19 months neg not detected and neg elisa and wb's. thanks god bless Read more »

NAT

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

What is an NAT test for HIV? I heard that it is able to detect HIV a lot earlier than any other test. If that is true, why aren't they using it to test for HIV?

Read more »

NAT positive, but still have a question

Posted by paper_plane, 1 Reply

I have a question, probably just me being in denial about this whole thing, but i went in for a rapid HIV test because the week before i got strep, went to the doctor and tested positive for it, and i knew that could be a sign of HIV infection. I... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>