National News

Nucleic Acid Test

March 6 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 19 0

The Supreme Court of India is examining whether the Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) should be made compulsory in all blood banks to ensure safe blood transfusion under Article 21 of the Constitution.
NAT is a molecular test that detects genetic material (DNA or RNA) of viruses in donated blood.
It can identify infections like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C at an early stage.
NAT reduces the “window period” compared to Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests, which are commonly used in India.
The petition argues that safe blood transfusion is part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The Court has asked for data on cost, State-level implementation, and feasibility before taking a final decision.