Background: Blood is a life saving resource but at the same times however, blood transfusion can be a source of life threatening infections, if screening is not carried out properly
[1]. It is also the most efficient vehicle for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hence there is a need for accurate screening of HIV among blood donors.
Material and method: The material for the study was collected from the 500 random donors coming to blood bank, N.H.L. Medical College, V.S. Hospital Ahmedabad affiliated with Gujarat University. Serum samples of donors were tested for HIV by rapid, 3rd generation ELISA & 4th generation ELISA.
Results: 500 blood donors were evaluated with rapid immune chromatography, 3rd generation Elisa & 4th generation Elisa. Among them 54 donors fall in age group of 20 years & below, 192 of them were from 21-30 years, 174 of them were from 31-40 years, 65 of them were from 41-50 years & 15 of them were from 51-60 years of age group. All were negative for HIV with all methods.
Conclusion: The rapid tests have advantages such as ease of use, minimal training required for the user, easy interpretation, and a long shelf life. These tests can be done with a short turnaround time, avoiding the delay incurred in batching. Thus, rapid tests can be used as an alternative to ELISAs in blood banks.
