CompletedNot Applicable

Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) of Blood Donors for HCV and HIV

United States30,000 participantsStarted 1999-12

Plain-language summary

This study will evaluate the accuracy of an experimental test method called nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) in detecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This test amplifies the nucleic acid in a virus more than a million-fold, allowing early detection of minute quantities of virus in the blood. Blood donors to the National Institutes of Health's Department of Transfusion Medicine (blood bank) will have their blood screened with transcription mediated amplification, a type of NAT test. Donors whose blood is found positive for HIV or HCV by NAT testing will be notified and asked to participate in this study. Those who agree will provide a blood sample about once a week for 3 months. The samples will be tested with additional assays to detect evidence of HIV or HCV infection. If the test results are confirmed positive, no more blood samples will be collected. The results of the tests and their significance will be explained to participants. It is anticipated that NAT screening will reduce the risk of transfusion-related HIV transmission from the current 1 in 650,000 to 1 in a million and the risk of HCV transmission from the current 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 350,000. It is possible that these tests will completely eliminate the risk of transmitting these diseases through blood transfusion.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

All eligible, volunteer NIH blood donors will be tested by NAT. Thus, any donor who enters the system and has blood drawn for viral testing will be a potential candidate for the follow-up study if he/she tests NAT positive for HCV or HIV. Only potential donors who exclude themselves from the donation process will be excluded from the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00004846

SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hepatitis C trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.