Taking a cue from the policy change announced by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the Gujarat State Council for Blood Transfusion (GSCBT) has directed all the 145 licensed blood banks in the state to refer ELISA positive donors for subsequent testing to referral centres.

As of now, donors who test positive are intimated about their HIV status as a standard practice, but are not referred for subsequent tests.

The decision was taken after reviewing the existing policy by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) and NACO. It was later suggested that sero-reactive donors be ensured proper counselling and confirmatory testing at a well-equipped counselling centre.

State Health Commissioner and project director of GSCBT Dr Amarjeet Singh said: “A directive has been sent to all blood banks to ensure that sero-reactive donors be referred to Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) for further treatment. The cost of confirmatory tests and treatment will be borne by the Health Department. This is part of the evolution of the policy for establishment of HIV status of blood donors who have donated blood units and found to be ELISA-reactive.”

With reporting formats for linkages being handed over to all the recognised blood banks, establishment of proper linkages to referral centres is targeted within the next three months.

Joint Director of GSCBT Dr. Rajesh Gopal said: “While the GSCBT and the ICTC are basically free players as of now, the responsibility of ICTC counsellor and district ICTC supervisors will be delineated for the purpose.”

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