What Is The Difference Between Pcr And Nat

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Ask the Experts

DNA PCR /RNA PCR/ NAT

Can you explain the difference in these tests DNA PCR/ RNA PCR/ NAT? Which are better at detecting early infection? Would they all detect all subtypes of HIV? Would a negative NAT/DNA/RNA and atibody after 4 weeks be conclusive?When woudl a negative...

Response from Lisa Hightow-Weidman, M.D., M.P.H.

University of North Carolina

Hello thereCheck out this article as I think it answers all of the questions you have.http://www.avert.org/testing.htmTake care,LHW... Read more »

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... Read more »

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

NAT vs PCR ?

Dear DocIs NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) the same as PCR RNA Testing such as Roche Amplicor ?... Read more »

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

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

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 »

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 »

Congress: Ask for $$$ Estimate on the Nat'l AIDS Strategy!

Think the National HIV/AIDS Strategy's a good idea? Then please join the HIV PJA and the Coalition for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, urging Congress to get a Cost and Savings Estimate done to show that it will save big bucks! All the information... Read more »

Connect With Others

PCR Vs. NAT

Posted by Anonymous

Would some one please tell me the difference in a PCR (polymer chain reaction?) and NAT(nucleic acid amplification testing). I know there is a difference but I am not 100% sure. I would really appreciate any information anyone has.
Thanks in... Read more »

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 »

Difference in PCR Results?

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

Well, I tested today (PCR). EXACTLY 28 days (adjusted appropriately for the midnight time cross during the 'event') from my exposure. God forgive me for this ignorance, but I wanted to cry my eyes out and scream 'I don't belong here!'. I wanted... Read more »

Difference between RNA-PCR and RNA-bDNA tests?

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Does anybody know the difference between RNA-PCR and RNA-bDNA tests?

Are these tests accurate? Any false negative or false positive results? Are they worth taking to evaluate early HIV infection when possible early HIV infection symptoms are present?

I... Read more »

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