Aa
NAAT in 2013?
Up-to-date advice needed.
I understand that PCR - RNA HIV test or NAAT is still relatively new and blood banks use it for testing blood donors/organs. Surly that would imply that NAAT test 'much better' compared to antibody or p24 alone? which are 'supposedly' - gold standard in 2013 for routine testing, even so that BASHH guidelines recommend it as a 'first line' for diagnostic purposes. Of course I understand NAAT is expensive and very time consuming and NHS simply can't afford it. But when it comes to testing blood for transfusion thats not a problem? At this day and age it would be disastrous to give the patient HIV/HEP C- through transfusion in 2014, right? Thats why NAAT plays a big role in ensuring that this doesn't happen in addition to antibody and p24 being also used. Why shouldn't the GUM clinics just follow the same algorithm as the blood banks use for testing blood donor? It makes sense. There has never been a reported case of disease transmitted to a patient through transfusion since 90's? This is largely because NAAT is part of their testing protocol, right?
What does all this mean to me? Should I go and donate blood just to make sure that my blood is rigorously screened with one of the best testing methods available today? Bizarre isnt it? but its a realistic approach.
Or should I come and see you guys to get this PCR RNA test. Would it be as good as the one that blood banks use?
Blood banks have been using this NAAT for years, despite its only been available for us in the last few years, and not a single patients has gotten a disease through transfusion since NAAT was first introduced. Its a shame to know that such good technique exist but is not routinely offered by the GUM clinics, especially when blood banks are concerned about the exact same pathogen as most people come into GUM clinic for and that is HIV test. I hope this is not too confusing to understand
Regards
Ed.
I understand that PCR - RNA HIV test or NAAT is still relatively new and blood banks use it for testing blood donors/organs. Surly that would imply that NAAT test 'much better' compared to antibody or p24 alone? which are 'supposedly' - gold standard in 2013 for routine testing, even so that BASHH guidelines recommend it as a 'first line' for diagnostic purposes. Of course I understand NAAT is expensive and very time consuming and NHS simply can't afford it. But when it comes to testing blood for transfusion thats not a problem? At this day and age it would be disastrous to give the patient HIV/HEP C- through transfusion in 2014, right? Thats why NAAT plays a big role in ensuring that this doesn't happen in addition to antibody and p24 being also used. Why shouldn't the GUM clinics just follow the same algorithm as the blood banks use for testing blood donor? It makes sense. There has never been a reported case of disease transmitted to a patient through transfusion since 90's? This is largely because NAAT is part of their testing protocol, right?
What does all this mean to me? Should I go and donate blood just to make sure that my blood is rigorously screened with one of the best testing methods available today? Bizarre isnt it? but its a realistic approach.
Or should I come and see you guys to get this PCR RNA test. Would it be as good as the one that blood banks use?
Blood banks have been using this NAAT for years, despite its only been available for us in the last few years, and not a single patients has gotten a disease through transfusion since NAAT was first introduced. Its a shame to know that such good technique exist but is not routinely offered by the GUM clinics, especially when blood banks are concerned about the exact same pathogen as most people come into GUM clinic for and that is HIV test. I hope this is not too confusing to understand
Regards
Ed.
Dear sir, I would of thought you'd answer my last post since you were last online 8 hours ago and have replied to others? I had to re-ask some of the questions agin because you have not answered them in my first post. Thank you sir.
I hope this is not too much of a trouble for you.
I hope this is not too much of a trouble for you.
My last risk was over 4 months ago (condom slipped)
1. What type of HIV test would you advise if I am planning to visit your clinic in few weeks. I have had DUO and Insti in the past at correct window period. -Results Negative.
2. Would you recommend NAAT over INSTI or DUO? The reason I am asking because Blood Banks use it, so it must be better than the standard test.
I understand its cheap and fast, but thats not the point as a patients perspective. I need to be 100% sure that the test I am taking is spot on.
1. What type of HIV test would you advise if I am planning to visit your clinic in few weeks. I have had DUO and Insti in the past at correct window period. -Results Negative.
2. Would you recommend NAAT over INSTI or DUO? The reason I am asking because Blood Banks use it, so it must be better than the standard test.
I understand its cheap and fast, but thats not the point as a patients perspective. I need to be 100% sure that the test I am taking is spot on.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Ed
There are several reasons why this is not in common use for diagnosis - you have mentioned some.
They are:-
new introduction of a new technique for diagnostics which clinicians need to adjust to using
expense
time consuming
technology consuming
an HIV DUO test is cheap, reliable, fast and we're all very practiced at using it
Kind regards, Sean
There are several reasons why this is not in common use for diagnosis - you have mentioned some.
They are:-
new introduction of a new technique for diagnostics which clinicians need to adjust to using
expense
time consuming
technology consuming
an HIV DUO test is cheap, reliable, fast and we're all very practiced at using it
Kind regards, Sean
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