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Testing

Published on 24 July 2023

We use a range of Microbiology Testing Evaluation Group (MTEG) approved serological and molecular assays for confirmatory testing of blood borne infections in donors/patients and for screening purposes.

Testing of samples follows defined testing algorithms described in our Standard Operating Procedures controlled by our Quality Management System.

Confirmatory testing will use both serological and molecular investigations as appropriate.

If sample volume is limited our staff will use their expertise to carry out appropriate testing to ensure a valid conclusion can be drawn.

Our tests

We test for the presence of markers using a range of testing systems.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

  • HBsAg
  • HBeAg
  • anti-HBe
  • HBc IgM
  • anti-HBc
  • anti-HBs
  • HBV DNA 

Testing systems used: ELISA, ELFA and PCR.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

  • anti-HCV
  • HCVAgAb combi
  • HCV RNA 

Testing systems used: ELISA, Immuno-blot and PCR.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV)

  • HEV RNA
  • HEV IgG
  • HEV IgM

Testing systems used: ELISA, PCR and Immuno-blot.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

  • HIV Ag/Ab combi
  • HIV 1+2 antibody
  • anti-HIV 1
  • anti-HIV 2
  • HIV p24 Antigen
  • HIV RNA 

Testing systems used: ELISA, ELFA, Western Blot, Immuno-blot and PCR.

Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)

  • anti-HTLV
  • anti-HTLV 1
  • anti-HTLV 2

Testing systems used: ELISA and Immuno-blot.

West Nile virus (WNV)

  • WNV RNA

Testing system used: PCR.

Syphilis

  • Rapid plasma reagin - non treponemal test
  • Treponema pallidum Total antibodies (IgM/IgG) 
  • Treponema pallidum IgM 

Testing systems used: ELISA, Immuno-blot, TPHA (semi-quantitative) and RPR.

Malaria antibodies

  • Malaria antibodies

Testing systems used: ELISA and PCR.

Trypanosoma cruzi (T.Cruzi/Chagas)

  • T Cruzi antibodies

Testing system used: ELISA.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

  • CMV DNA

Testing system used: PCR

COVID 19 (SARS-CoV-2)

  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA

Testing system used: PCR

Toxoplasma

  • Toxoplasma IgG
  • Toxoplasma IgM
  • Toxoplasma Total

Testing system used: ELFA

Bacteriology

Our donor testing lab is responsible for bacterial culture screening.

Find out more about samples, request forms and transport for our testing services.