The NBSZ laboratory services, quality and safety manager, Lucy Marowa, said the NAT method was highly effective but expensive.
“Our mandate is to collect as much blood as we can and continue testing. The NAT method is expensive but we do not want to pass on any additional costs to the end user because it is already expensive,” said Marowa. “The extra cost could amount to US$23 per unit, which is way too much. We have, however, drafted proposals, approached a number of donors and engaged a few organisations to assist us with the purchasing of the machines.”
She said that although the current testing method was sensitive and safe, the NAT method would reduce the window period and increase blood safety.
“We are currently using the CMIA method, which is also specific and sensitive but the difference between the two methods is that the current system takes two weeks for us to detect infection.
“The NAT method reduces the window period of two weeks as the blood donor does not have to come back for another test after the first one,” said Marowa.
She said the purchasing of the machines was essential to the company.
“South Africa is one of the few countries that is using the NAT method to test blood. The country is also doing it for others such as Namibia but for Zimbabwe it would not be cost effective considering the transport costs,” said Marowa.
Post published in: News