Himachal Hospitals to Test Donated Blood Using ELISA, Small Blood Banks May Face Challenges
The National AIDS Control Society has directed all hospital blood banks in Himachal Pradesh to test donated blood using the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique. ELISA testing facilities are available at IGMC, DDU, and Kamla Nehru hospitals in Shimla. However, implementing this technique in rural and smaller hospitals may pose challenges.
ELISA is a biochemical testing method that detects and measures proteins, antibodies, and hormones in blood samples. It provides accurate results by using antibodies linked to enzymes that produce a signal when a specific antigen is present in the sample.
For smaller blood banks, ELISA testing can be difficult because a single kit usually tests 80-90 samples. Testing only 1-2 samples at a time can lead to wastage of the kit. Moreover, the process is time-consuming, which can cause delays in urgent situations like operations or emergencies.
According to Dr. Rahul Rao, Senior Medical Superintendent at IGMC, "Blood collected from donation camps is tested using the ELISA technique, which provides accurate results."
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