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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Novel flow cytometry-based screening for bacterial contamination of donor platelet preparations compared with other
Jens Dreier1, Tanja Vollmer, Knut Kleesiek
1Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. jdreier@hdz-nrw.de
Background:
Bacterial contamination is the major infectious hazard associated with transfusion of platelet preparations (PLTs). Routine testing for bacterial contamination in PLTs has become common, but transfusion-transmitted bacterial sepsis has not been eliminated. Here, we describe a novel flow cytometry-based method for point-of-issue screening of PLTs for bacterial contamination.
Methods:
We used the BactiFlow flow cytometer to detect and count bacteria based on esterase activity in viable cells. We compared the assay to incubation (BacT/Alert culture system) and rapid nucleic acid-based or immunoassay (reverse transcription PCR, Pan Genera Detection) methods.
Results:
We established a protocol for bacterial screening of PLTs consisting of enzymatic digestion and centrifugal filtration for the elimination of viable platelets and selective labeling of bacteria with fluorescent esterase substrate (ChemChrome V23). Results from the BactiFlow showed an excellent correlation (r = 0.9923 E. coli, r = 0.9736 S. epidermidis) to traditional plate count results. The lower detection limit of the assay was determined to be 150 CFU/mL, and the time to result was <1 h.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates that BactiFlow flow cytometry is suitable for rapid screening of PLTs for bacterial contamination and fulfils the requirements for a point-of-issue testing of PLTs with acceptable time to result, specificity, sensitivity, and cost.
Insights
A new flow cytometry method rapidly screens platelet preparations (PLTs) for bacterial contamination. This point-of-issue test offers high accuracy and speed, improving transfusion safety by detecting sepsis-causing bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of platelet preparations (PLTs) poses a significant transfusion risk.
- Despite routine testing, transfusion-transmitted bacterial sepsis remains a concern.
- Novel methods are needed to enhance PLT safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel flow cytometry-based method for point-of-issue screening of PLTs for bacterial contamination.
- To assess the performance of this method against established techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the BactiFlow flow cytometer to detect viable bacteria via esterase activity.
- Developed a protocol involving enzymatic digestion, centrifugal filtration, and fluorescent labeling (ChemChrome V23).
- Compared results with incubation (BacT/Alert) and nucleic acid-based (RT-PCR, PGD) methods.
Main Results:
- The BactiFlow assay demonstrated excellent correlation with traditional plate counts (r = 0.9923 for E. coli, r = 0.9736 for S. epidermidis).
- Achieved a low detection limit of 150 CFU/mL.
- Provided results in under 1 hour.
Conclusions:
- BactiFlow flow cytometry is a suitable method for rapid, point-of-issue screening of PLTs for bacterial contamination.
- The method meets requirements for time to result, specificity, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness.
- This approach enhances transfusion safety by enabling faster detection of bacterial contaminants.
