Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court sought details on implementing NAT in government hospitals.
PIL seeks mandatory NAT to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections.
Category: Science and Technology
Important Points:
● Molecular technique amplifying viral RNA/DNA in blood samples
● Detects HIV, HBV, HCV, malaria, syphilis
● Narrows “window period” compared to serological testing
● Currently not legally mandatory under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
● PIL seeks declaration of “Right to Safe Blood” under Article 21
● Traditional tests rely on antibody detection
● NAT detects virus directly
● Helps identify false reactive blood donations
● Thalassemia patients require transfusions every 15–20 days
● India termed “Thalassemia capital of the world” in petition context