AIIMS Mangalagiri is set to upgrade its blood safety standards with the introduction of two advanced diagnostic systems Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NATS) and an automated Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI) screening system.
The NATS technology enables early detection of viral genetic material (RNA/DNA), significantly reducing the window period between infection and detection. This allows for quicker identification of serious infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Officials stated that the NATS machine, procured at a cost of ₹1.73 crore, is the first of its kind among AIIMS institutions in South India and the first ID-NATS system in Andhra Pradesh.
The newly introduced automated TTI screening system can deliver donor test results within 30 minutes, which is particularly beneficial in emergency situations involving rare blood groups. The NATS system further enhances safety by serving as a second layer of screening.
Currently, donor testing is conducted using manual ELISA-based methods with fourth-generation kits, taking 5–8 hours. With NATS, the detection window period is reduced to approximately 2-3 days for HIV, around 10 days for hepatitis B, and about 1 day for hepatitis C.
The institute will continue to provide blood and blood components free of cost, following the standards of AIIMS New Delhi.
