Question

Write about how to communicate in the blood bank, where pre transfusion testing viral marker studies, if a case is positive for HIV screening. (600 words )

Answer 1

In Oct 2004, the world health organisation programme convened programme convened an consultation on the screening of donated blood for transfusion.They also play major role in screening of transmissible infection.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a retro virus,that is enveloped by RNA virus which is transmissible by the parentral route.It is found in bloods and other body fluids.The viral nucleic acid persists by integrating on to the host cell DNA.The virus is stable in blood stream in high concentration at the temperature at which individual blood and blood components are stored.The Virus may be present in HIV infected individual.
It can be diagnosed by :

Serological Markers:

a) Anti HIV-1,Anti HIV 2

b)HIV p24 antigen (P24 Ag)

Viral Nucleic acid:HIV RNA

The assay should be capable of detecting the sub types specific to the country.

Anti HIV-1,Anti HIV 2 and p24 antigen:

These were used for detection of antibody because the specific antibody is still reliable in screening method.Antibody may be detected approximately 3 weeks after infection and for antigen approximately 6days.HIV p23 antigen appear from 3 to 10 days after viral RNA and further reduces the serological widow period by 3 to 7days before antibody detection

HIV RNA:

It can detected by viral RNA approximately 7 to 11 days after infection that is when the results of HIV antigen antibody are negative,but HIV RNA detection is positive. It can reduce the developing or transmitted through the transfusion of infected donated blood during widow period of antigen and antibody assays.

To minimize the risk of HIV infection through the route of transfusion:

1 Screening should be performed using a anti-HIV-1 + anti-HIV-2 immunoassay.HIV combination antigen-antibody immunoassay (EIA/CLIA).

2 Screening using a highly sensitive and specific HIV-1 + anti-HIV-2 rapid assay may be performed in laboratories.