Reduction of Platelet Transfusion– Associated Sepsis by Short–Term Bacterial Culture

• Published in: Vox sanguinis Vol. 77; no. 1; pp. 1 - 5
• Main Authors: Liu, Hing-wing, Yuen, Kwok-yung, Cheng, Tammy Shui-ying, Lee, Kwan-bun, Chua, Elizabeth Kin-ming, Ho, Pak-leung, Lin, Che-kit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland 01.01.1999
• Subjects: Transfusion, Microbiology and Plasma Fractions
• ISSN: 0042-9007; 1423-0410
• DOI: 10.1159/000031066

Background and Objectives: There is as yet no suitable routine laboratory test for a blood transfusion service to detect bacterial contamination in platelets. This study evaluates the effectiveness and the applicability of short–term bacterial culture for such a purpose. Materials and Methods: Samples from 5–unit platelet pools were inoculated into an aerobic culture bottle, then monitored for 48 h at 35°C in an automated monitoring and detection system. Results: 26,210 whole–blood–derived platelet components were tested, of which 14 (0.053%) platelet units were found to be contaminated. In addition, nine of the associated red cell units and 4 fresh–frozen plasma units grew the same organisms on culture. Conclusion: Short–duration bacterial culture by an automated system is effective and suitable for routine screening in a regional transfusion center.