AIIMS Mangalagiri has taken a major step toward improving blood safety and diagnostic efficiency by introducing two advanced technologies at its blood centre: the Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NATS) system and a fully automated Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI) screening system. These upgrades aim to enhance the accuracy, speed, and safety of blood donor screening while ensuring safer transfusion practices for patients.
Introduction of NATS Technology Enhances Early Detection
To begin with, the installation of the Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NATS) system significantly strengthens the institute’s diagnostic capabilities. This advanced technology detects viral genetic material—RNA or DNA—much earlier than conventional testing methods. As a result, it greatly reduces the window period, which refers to the time between infection and its detectability through standard screening tests.
Importantly, NATS technology enables the early identification of serious transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. By detecting these infections at an earlier stage, the system substantially improves the safety of blood transfusions and minimizes the risk of disease transmission through donated blood.
According to officials from the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy at AIIMS Mangalagiri, the newly procured NATS machine, costing Rs 1.73 crore, marks a significant milestone.
“The NATS machine procured for Rs 1.73 crores is the first of its kind among all AIIMS institutions in South India. It is also the first ID NATS testing machine in Andhra Pradesh,” the authorities stated.
Automated TTI Screening System Enables Faster Testing
In addition to the NATS technology, AIIMS Mangalagiri has also introduced a fully automated Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI) screening system. This system can process donor samples and deliver results within 30 minutes, significantly improving testing turnaround times.
As reported by TOI, this rapid testing capability becomes particularly crucial during medical emergencies. For instance, when patients with rare blood groups urgently require transfusions, hospitals often rely on donors who arrive on short notice. In such situations, quick and reliable screening ensures that the donated blood can be safely used without delay.
Hospital authorities emphasized that the NATS system functions as an additional safety layer, further reducing the risk associated with the window period.
Significant Reduction in Detection Window Period
Previously, the blood centre relied on manual ELISA-based testing using fourth-generation kits to screen donors for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. While effective, this method required 5 to 8 hours to produce results.
With the implementation of Individual Donation NATS (ID-NATS), the window period for detecting these infections has been dramatically shortened. The approximate detection window now stands at:
- HIV: 2–3 days
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Around 10 days
- Hepatitis C (HCV): About 1 day
This reduction enables clinicians to identify infections earlier and significantly enhances the overall safety of blood transfusions.
Continued Commitment to Free and Safe Blood Services
Finally, AIIMS Mangalagiri reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe and high-quality blood and blood components free of cost to patients. With the integration of these sophisticated testing technologies, the institute aligns its practices with the standards followed at AIIMS New Delhi.
Through these technological upgrades, AIIMS Mangalagiri continues to strengthen its role as a leading centre for advanced blood transfusion services, infection screening, and patient safety in India.