Transfusion Transmissible Infections (HIV)

This comprehensive topic focuses on Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs), with an in-depth study of HIV, a paramount concern for blood safety in Zambia and globally. Tertiary-level students in biomedical and public health programs will explore the virology, epidemiology, and transmission routes of HIV, with special emphasis on the window period and primary HIV infection. The core of the topic involves the principles and methodologies of laboratory screening and diagnosis, including indirect, competitive, and combination ELISA techniques, rapid assays, and confirmatory tests like Western Blot. Understanding the sensitivity, specificity, and test algorithms used in blood donor screening is non-negotiable for ensuring the safety of the blood supply. This knowledge equips future laboratory professionals and healthcare workers with the skills to implement and critically evaluate testing protocols, a critical competency for any tertiary qualification in health sciences aimed at combating TTIs.