A pilot study for screening blood donors in Taiwan by nucleic acid amplification technology: detecting occult hepatitis B virus infections and closing the serologic window period for hepatitis C virus

Abstract

The use of NAT detected occult HBV and reduced HCV window period. The yield rate, especially occult HBV, was 10- to 100-fold higher than that in developed, HBV nonendemic countries. Therefore, NAT implementation for routine donor screening in a more cost-effective manner should contribute to safer blood transfusion in Taiwan.