Status of NAT screening for HCV, HIV and HBV: experience in Japan

The first nationwide nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) of voluntarily donated blood after serological pre-screening and before release of cellular components and plasma for fractionation was implemented by the Japanese Red Cross Blood Transfusion Services. The NAT screening assay using multiplex reagent is time-saving, cost effective, and labour-saving procedure for all blood and blood products including short-shelf life platelets. During the 50-mini-pool NAT screening of serologically negative donations (February 1, 2001-April 30, 2001), we were able to screen out 112 HBV-positive, 25 HCV-positive, and 4 HIV-1 positive units from blood and blood components.