Publications Archive

Previous reports and NIT Laboratory data support the existence of persistent HCV RNA viremia in the absence of detectable anti-HCV1. Experience from blood donor screening suggests that the nucleic acid testing (NAT) can reduce so-called “window period” donations from organ donors during the antibody negative phase of acute HCV or HIV-1 infections2. In Sep 04’ the NIT laboratory decided to augment existing donor screening algorithm and introduced NAT testing using the Procleix HIV-1/HCV Assay (Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA). Accurate donor HCV and HIV-1 status is important in prevention of viral infection transmissions; HCV+ donors may be considered for HCV+ recipients. Infection must be identified in timely manner because of limited life of the donor organ