Introduction of new testing regime marks another milestone towards Individualised Donor Assessments

From 8 December, New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will begin screening all blood and plasma donations for two additional viruses: Parvovirus B19 and hepatitis A.

This update is an important step in preparing for the introduction of Individualised Donor Assessments (IDA) in 2026. IDA is an evidence-based, gender-neutral screening process that asks the same questions of every donor – regardless of gender or sexual orientation – when assessing potential risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Recognised internationally as best practice, IDA will remove unnecessary barriers to donation while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. NZBS received Medsafe approval to implement IDA earlier this year.

What does this testing update mean for existing donors?

There is no change to the donation process for donors. These additional tests are behind-the-scenes improvements to our standard testing practice.

What new tests are being introduced?

New Zealand Blood Service uses Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) as one method of screening the blood and plasma donations it receives for infectious diseases. Currently, we use 3-NAT to test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. We’ll soon introduce 5-NAT testing, which will also screen for hepatitis A and Parvovirus B19.

Why is testing changing?

Introducing 5-NAT aligns us with blood services globally that have already adopted Individualised Donor Assessments.

What is Nucleic Acid Testing?

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) detects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of an organism, virus, or individual to diagnose a condition, infectious disease, or genetic status.

Why are the new tests only just being introduced now? Does this mean that the previous screening has been insufficient?

NZBS has comprehensive quality, safety, and testing systems which are regularly audited, and New Zealand is widely acknowledged as having one of the safest blood supplies in the world. The new testing further builds on these systems as we prepare to implement IDA.

As men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of hepatitis A, introducing testing for this virus provides an additional layer of safety in readiness for IDA. And, while most people who receive plasma products will be immune to Parvovirus B19, we know that the plasma fractionation process is less effective at inactivating B19 than it is for many other viruses. Including this test in our screening will therefore further offset any risk.

While other, much larger, blood services overseas have seen no change in rates of infectious markers since implementing IDA, our new screening will help protect both donors and recipients and aligns us with international best practice.

You can find out more information about IDA here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ximena Smith, New Zealand Blood Service, 027 844 0073, ximena.smith@nzblood.co.nz

---------

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and affect the liver's ability to function. Hepatitis A can be contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that's infected. Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment.

What is Parvovirus B19?

Parvovirus B19 is a common virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In children, it often causes a rash. In adults, it’s more likely to cause joint pain. It often goes away on its own in about a week, though joint pain can last longer. Rarely, it can cause anaemia. If you get a parvovirus infection while pregnant, you’re at a higher risk for miscarriage or stillbirth.