Maldives to roll out gold‑standard nucleic acid testing in July as MBS strengthens blood safety protocols

The Maldives Blood Services (MBS) will introduce nucleic acid testing (NAT), the global gold standard for detecting blood-borne diseases, in July 2026. Senior Specialist Registrar Dr. Ahmed Umar announced on a state media program that the NAT machine is expected to be installed within two weeks. NAT will expand the detection window for infections, enhancing blood safety. MBS already screens using latest technology and follows WHO standards. The number of blood donors is rising, especially among young donors. The article also highlights the high thalassemia carrier rate in the Maldives (16-18% vs global 1.7%), with about 1 in 30 marriages between carriers. A new thalassemia center was developed at Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumale' on May 25, 2025. Pre-marital carrier screening and genetic counseling are emphasized for prevention.

The Maldives Blood Services (MBS) will introduce nucleic acid testing (NAT), the global gold standard for detecting blood-borne diseases, in July 2026. Senior Specialist Registrar Dr. Ahmed Umar announced on a state media program that the NAT machine is expected to be installed within two weeks. NAT will expand the detection window for infections, enhancing blood safety. MBS already screens using latest technology and follows WHO standards. The number of blood donors is rising, especially among young donors. The article also highlights the high thalassemia carrier rate in the Maldives (16-18% vs global 1.7%), with about 1 in 30 marriages between carriers. A new thalassemia center was developed at Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumale' on May 25, 2025. Pre-marital carrier screening and genetic counseling are emphasized for prevention.

The Maldives Blood Services (MBS) will introduce nucleic acid testing (NAT), the global gold standard for detecting blood-borne diseases, in July 2026. Senior Specialist Registrar Dr. Ahmed Umar announced on a state media program that the NAT machine is expected to be installed within two weeks. NAT will expand the detection window for infections, enhancing blood safety. MBS already screens using latest technology and follows WHO standards. The number of blood donors is rising, especially among young donors. The article also highlights the high thalassemia carrier rate in the Maldives (16-18% vs global 1.7%), with about 1 in 30 marriages between carriers. A new thalassemia center was developed at Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumale' on May 25, 2025. Pre-marital carrier screening and genetic counseling are emphasized for prevention.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of thalassemia / health.