Implementation of a proficiency testing programme for bacterial screening in platelet preparations in Canada

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Microbiology
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• Canadian Blood Services (CBS) implemented bacterial screening for apheresis platelet preparations in 2004 using the BacT/ALERT system.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of this screening is critical for transfusion safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, validate, and implement an in-house proficiency testing program for CBS.
• To evaluate the performance of bacterial screening in platelet preparations across CBS centers.

Main Methods:

• Development involved spiking platelet preparations with known bacterial concentrations (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae).
• A proficiency testing panel with positive and negative samples was distributed to participating centers.
• A survey assessed bacterial screening and proficiency testing practices among 43 American Blood Centers.

Main Results:

• Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were reliably detected; Streptococcus pneumoniae showed inconsistent growth.
• Two proficiency testing panel sets demonstrated high participant center compliance (93% and 100%).
• A significant majority of surveyed American Blood Centers lack proficiency testing programs but express interest in developing them.

Conclusions:

• CBS has successfully established a proficiency testing program for bacterial screening in platelet preparations.
• This program is a key component in enhancing the safety and reliability of the Canadian platelet supply.
• The findings highlight a need for similar proficiency testing programs in other blood centers.