Detailed Tests for Transmissible Diseases
Every donation is tested as follows:
- Hepatitis B and C
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test screens for hepatitis B virus (HBV) by identifying the presence of the viral coat protein (antigen) on the envelope of HBV. - Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)
The anti-HBc test screens for hepatitis B virus by detecting specific antibodies to the Hepatitis B core antigen. - Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV)
The anti-HCV test screens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) detecting specific antibodies to the HCV antigen.
See additional information on hepatitis on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
HCV Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT)
Nucleic Acid Testing uses a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify the nucleic acids of HCV, allowing direct detection of small amounts of virus. NAT for HIV and HCV is done on pools of 24 samples but may also be done on individual samples to improve sensitivity.
See NAT-Safety is Paramount on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
anti-HIV-l and anti-HIV-2
The anti-HIV-1/2 test screens for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2. Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) but HIV-2 is uncommon in North America.
HIV Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT)
Nucleic Acid Testing uses PCR to amplify the nucleic acids of HIV, allowing direct detection of small amounts of virus.
See information on HIV and AIDS on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
The TaqScreenTM West Nile Virus system (Roche Diagnostics) is a nucleic acid test (NAT) that uses PCR to amplify the nucleic acids (RNA) of WNV, allowing direct detection of small amounts of virus.
West Nile virus testing is usually performed on pools of six samples but may also be done on individual samples to improve sensitivity.
See information on West Nile Virus on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
Syphilis
Serologic Test for Syphilis (passive hemagglutination test for the qualitative detection of specific Treponema pallidum antibodies).
See information on syphilis on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
HTLV-I and HTLV-II
anti-HTLV-I, anti-HTLV-II
The anti-HTLV-I/II test screens for an antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types I and II.
See information on HTLV on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
Chagas Disease
Chagas disease antibody testing is performed on selected donors who are at-risk of infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis).
Canadian Blood Services implemented additional screening questions for donors regarding risk factors for Chagas disease. Any donor who answers ‘yes’ to a Chagas risk question has their blood tested for the presence of T. Cruzi antibodies.
See information on Chagas on the Canadian Blood Services Web site.
Testing Platform
Hepatitis B testing (HBsAg and anti-HBc), Hepatitis C antibody testing, anti-HIV 1/2 testing, anti-HTLV I/II and Chagas testing are done on the Abbott PRISMTM analyzer which utilizes chemiluminescent technology.