SC to look into feasibility of NAT for blood transfusion, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court is examining the feasibility of mandatory Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) in blood banks to detect diseases.
• NAT is a sensitive test for detecting HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viruses in blood.
• The court is considering the cost-effectiveness of NAT compared to the more common ELISA test, especially for states with limited resources.
• The petitioner, Sarvesham Mangalam Foundation, argues for NAT as a fundamental right to safe blood transfusion under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The case is highlighted by instances of children with Thalassemia contracting HIV due to infected blood transfusions.

Detailed Insights:

• The petition emphasizes the vulnerability of Thalassemia patients, who require frequent transfusions, to infected blood.
• India is considered the Thalassemia capital of the world, underscoring the need for standardized blood screening practices.
• The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test is a commonly used screening method, but NAT offers higher sensitivity in detecting viral genetic material.
• The court is seeking data on the prevalence of NAT usage in state hospitals and its financial implications for state governments.
• The right to safe blood transfusion is argued as a component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, emphasizing the state's obligation.
• Recent cases of HIV transmission through blood transfusions in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand highlight the urgency of improved screening methods.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nucleic Acid Test (NAT): A molecular test to detect viral genetic material in blood.
• ELISA Test: A common blood screening test, less sensitive than NAT.
• Thalassemia: An inherited blood disorder requiring frequent transfusions.
• Article 21: Part of the Constitution guaranteeing the right to life.

NAT vs. ELISA