The Supreme Court has agreed to examine whether blood banks should be required to use Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) for screening donated blood. NAT is a highly sensitive molecular test that detects the genetic material of infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The issue has been raised in the context of blood safety, transfusion-related infections, and the right to life under Article 21.
What NAT Screening Does
NAT is used to detect infections at an early stage, including during the window period when standard tests may miss them. It is considered more sensitive than the commonly used Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The petitioner argued that NAT can reduce the risk of infected blood reaching patients and improve transfusion safety.
Why the Case Matters
The plea stressed the vulnerability of patients who need repeated transfusions, especially those with Thalassemia. Such patients face higher exposure to blood-borne infections if screening is inadequate. The petition described avoidable infections through transfusion as preventable tragedies and linked safe blood supply to the constitutional right to life.
Court’s Concerns on Cost and Feasibility
The Bench raised questions on whether all States can afford NAT in government blood banks and hospitals. It asked whether the test is cost-effective compared with ELISA and sought details on where NAT is already being used. The petitioner has been asked to file an affidavit with data on State hospitals using NAT and the number of such facilities.
Public Health and Transfusion Safety
The matter has gained urgency amid reported cases of children contracting HIV after contaminated blood transfusions in hospital settings. The case marks gaps in blood bank regulation, testing standards, and patient protection. The next hearing is scheduled for March 13.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026