Prevalence and Trends of Common Transfusion Transmitted Infections Using Serological and Nucleic Acid Markers in Saudi Blood Donors

Detection of blood borne viruses by conventional serology tests relies on the production of viral specific antibodies, the level of virus antigens in blood and the sensitivity and specificity of serology method used. During this interval, also known as the serological window period, the virus is present in the blood of the infected individual and may be transmitted to the recipient of this infected blood even though the serological test is negative. To minimize the risk of TTI-associated serological window period, Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) which is a highly-sensitive method for simultaneous detection of HBV, HCV, and HIV can be applied. Indeed, NAT has the advantage of shortening the serological window period of HBV to 10.34 days, HCV to 1.34 days, and HIV to 2.93 days NAT also adds the benefit of resolving false seroreactive donations, which is very important for donor notification and counseling The need for NAT testing depends on the prevalence