NAT test is an advanced testing technique that helps to quickly and accurately identify the cause of disease. This is an important step forward in the success of gene detection and sequencing techniques. Follow the following article to understand more about what NAT testing is.
NAT testing is one of the advanced molecular biology techniques that can accurately identify the genetic material of pathogens. One of the most common uses of this test is for the early detection of hepatitis B , C, HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
What is NAT testing? About NAT test
What is NAT testing? NAT test, also known as total nucleic acid test, is a molecular biology method that has been studied since the end of the 20th century and is now widely applied in medicine. This test helps to examine and identify specific nucleic acid sequences in a patient sample, thereby identifying the specific species or subspecies of the organism.
The mechanism of the NAT test is based on the principle of amplification, which multiplies an organism's genetic material to ensure accurate detection. Thus, this test allows the detection of viral diseases much earlier, when the amount of virus in the blood is very low compared to conventional antibody or antigen tests.
Procedure for performing NAT . test
The NAT test is a technically difficult test to perform due to the complex process involved, especially the amplification of a very small amount of genetic material in a sample. After the genetic material is amplified, multiple copies must be made for analysis and detection.
The NAT test is a technical test that is difficult to perform due to the complex process involved
Currently there are several techniques used to amplify genetic material such as: SDA strand transfer assay, TMA transcription-mediated assay, polymerase-PCR chain reaction, etc.
Patient samples taken for NAT testing are usually blood or fluid samples.
With the sample taken from the donated blood, the NAT test is positive for the virus, the blood bag is destroyed and the test results are sent to the donor. Patients with viral infections detected early by NAT testing can be treated more quickly and effectively.
Application of NAT . test
Because of their ability to detect early and accurately the biological origin of nucleic acid sequences, NAT tests are used in many applications, such as:
Screening for early detection of viral and bacterial diseases
The body is infected with a virus, bacteria need to incubate to multiply and cause disease, then the organism will react and produce antibodies against the disease. Therefore, tests for antibodies or antigens of viruses and bacteria are difficult to detect in the new stage. On the other hand, the NAT test has the ability to detect early when the number of bacteria or viruses in the blood is very low thanks to the technique of cloning genetic material.
Preventing the spread of disease in blood donors
Blood donors should be checked to make sure they don't have diseases that can cause blood infections. NAT testing is also used for early detection of window pathogens, preventing the risk of virus transmission through blood transfusions. This test is done for people who are at risk for the disease but cannot be detected by routine tests.
Identify potential viral infections
Latent viral infection is a condition in which a person has been carrying the virus for a long time, but they are still latent in the cells, so the patient's body does not produce antibodies. Therefore, tests for antibodies or antigens cannot detect the disease. Currently, the disease can only be detected with the NAT test, which checks to see if there is very little viral genetic material in the blood.
NAT test to screen for dangerous blood diseases like hepatitis B, C and HIV
In Vietnam, the National Institute of Hematology - Blood Transfusion first used the NAT test in 2014 to screen for dangerous blood diseases such as hepatitis B, C and HIV. Currently, this test is still being performed, which greatly reduces the window time - the time of infection, but cannot give an accurate diagnosis.
Therefore, the NAT test is one of the modern molecular biology tests, difficult to perform but very important in screening and early diagnosis of diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Thanks to NAT testing, the window time for many dangerous viral diseases is shortened, making treatment more efficient and faster.
In addition, NAT test can also detect early many infectious diseases caused by other organisms such as gonorrhea, urogenital infections caused by C. trachomatis, tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis,... Inflammatory NAT test Hepatitis B, C or HIV remains the most common and is needed to screen donated blood.
How much does a NAT HIV test cost?
HIV NAT testing costs more. Because this procedure requires high expertise, modern medical equipment and takes more time. Specifically, for direct HIV testing about 500,000 - 850,000 VND (depending on the facility). If you do PCR or NAT testing, you may have to pay a higher amount, possibly up to 2,500,000-3,000,000 VND/time.
HIV NAT testing costs more because it requires a lot of expertise
Although NAT test is important in early detection of disease, it is rarely used in routine examination and treatment because it is a difficult, complicated and expensive test, performing many procedures. Only when the binding test fails to respond or makes a therapeutic diagnosis should the NAT test be performed. Hope the above article can help you better understand what is NAT testing?
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