Harare, (New Ziana) – The National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the safety of the vital fluid with the implementation of nucleic acid testing (NAT).
The advanced technology detects infectious diseases in blood donations, reducing the risk of transmission and ensuring a safer blood supply for patients in need.
“With nucleic acid testing, we can detect infections within 72 hours, compared to the classical 14-21 days with other test platforms,” said NBSZ chief executive officer Lucy Marowa,
The NBSZ introduced the NAT at the end of last year and is currently at the validation stage, where parallel testing of samples is being conducted against standard test panels.
At the World Blood Donor Day procession held in Harare on Wednesday, Marowa explained that the development has enabled the NBSZ to potentially increase the number of blood donors and units collected per year, reducing shortages of blood and blood products.
“It also means that we can increase the catchment area from which we can recruit our blood donors, potentially increasing the number of units that we can collect per year and thereby ensuring that we reduce also shortages of blood and blood products in the country.”
Marowa emphasized that the organization is committed to providing the highest level of safety and quality in blood transfusions.
The procession drew 60 dedicated blood donors and was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of donating blood as well as recognizing the selfless contributions of blood donors. It was held in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as well as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
Marowa also addressed common myths about blood donation, assuring potential donors that the process is safe, simple, and takes less than 30 minutes, while emphasizing that the NBSZ prioritizes confidentiality and professionalism in handling blood donations, and that blood is used solely for patient care.
“Blood is not used for rituals, blood is used for patient use and we are happy to take anybody through the process to assure them of the highest levels of confidentiality as well as professionalism that we use in this organisation,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Tafadzwa Vengesai, an officer with the ZPCS, said while the target group for blood donation is the youth, some of them engage in drug abuse, which can disqualify them from donating blood.
“You cannot qualify to donate blood if you’re involved in certain activities that compromise your health and you may end up needing blood due to related complications, which affects the amount of blood we can collect,” she said.
The implementation of nucleic acid testing is a significant milestone for the NBSZ, and the organization encourages everyone to consider becoming regular blood donors and supporting the life-saving initiative.
New Ziana
