Nucleic Acid Testing (Blood) Test | Austin Pathology

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Nucleic Acid Testing (Blood)

Alternate Names	NAT, Procleix ULTRIO Assay, Multiplex Nucleic Acid Testing
Test Code	NAT
Testing Laboratory	Referred Laboratory
Specimen Type	Blood
Container Type	6 mL Plasma Preparation Tube (PPT) (Pearl Top) - DEDICATED
Medicare Rebate	No - please complete Patient Financial Consent Form.pdf
Out of Pocket Costs	Please note: This service is not Medicare rebatable and patients may be charged. Out of Pocket cost - $49.00
Ordering Information	This is a multiplex assay for the simultaneous qualitative detection of HIV Type 1 RNA, Hepatitis C virus RNA and Hepatitis B virus DNA The Nucleic Acid Test is generally used for testing solid organ, granulocyte or bone marrow donors. A Laboratory Testing Request Form must be completed for all referrals.
Collection Instructions	Please collect 2 x DEDICATED 6 mL PPT tubes Blood must be collected using a closed system. The cap of the tubes must not be removed during the collection process. It is critical that samples sterile and tubes remain unbreached. If samples are not sterile, testing is invalidated. Instructions for: Austin Sites Plasma Preparation Tubes may be procured via WPR. (WPR Item No:1746200; BD Ref: 362795)
Transport Instructions	Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions	Store refrigerated at 4°C
Testing Frequency	Monday - Friday
Min Test Volume	5mL
Add On Test Suitability	Add ons for this test cannot be performed.

Container ID	CR
CSR Instructions	WHOLE BLOOD SPECIMEN - DO NOT CENTRIFUGE. Instructions for: Metropolitan & Regional Laboratories Whole blood specimens must be sent and arrive at the referral laboratory within 72 hours of collection. Specimens must be transported in a Blood Service Shipper. Instructions for: Heidelberg Specimen Reception If samples cannot be received at the referral laboratory within 72 hours of collection, then tubes must be centrifuged and documentation of centrifugation included on the Laboratory Testing Request Form. Information should include: Date/time centrifuged Centrifuge speed and time span Name of person centrifuging the sample. No aliquots should be taken. The gel will separate the cellular material from the plasma.
Laboratory Instructions	None
External Laboratory	Nucleic Acid Test Laboratory, Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Accredited Test	Yes

These PDF documents can be downloaded for your reference

Order of Draw (PDF)

Swab Collection Guide (PDF)

Pre-Transfusion Specimen Requirements (PDF)

Requirements for Pathology Service (PDF)