Fiotec supports project developed by the Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos de Manguinhos [Immunological Technology Institute of Manguinhos] (Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz) intended to the implementation, production and distribution of tests with NAT technology for laboratories linked to the National Policy of Blood and Blood Derivatives.  The agreement provides for the managerial and operating support to the project’s activities, logistics and transport operations related to biological samples.

Project NAT HIV/HCV includes the incorporation of a new technology for the transfusion safety of the Blood Centers (Kit NAT).This molecular test uses an automated platform with large processing capacity allowing, at the same time, up to 552 blood bags per run to be analyzed with high traceability and sensitivity for HIV (Aids virus) and HCV (hepatitis C virus) detection.Thus, it is possible to detect pathogenic agents which are transmissible through blood transfusion at shorter periods than those of the conventional tests currently used in the Blood Centers.

“NAT represents an important step for the Institute in terms of technological development and a great advance for the country with respect to the transfusion safety”, highlighted Bio-Manguinhos Director, Artur Couto, in technical workshop on the subject, held last year.

Background

According to the Revista Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia [Brazilian Magazine of Hematology and Hemotherapy], transfusion safety has led to the incorporation of new technologies.For some years, developed countries have used molecular biology techniques for the detection of nucleic acids (NAT) of pathogenic agents which are transmissible through blood transfusion.

Fiotec, through its project office located in Bio-Manguinhos, cooperates for the development of the country’s health providing the support required for the study and production of the NAT HIV/HCV technology.

Source:Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz (adapted text)

Photo:Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz