Problem of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates

Bacterial contamination of blood is being recognized more frequently now and is one of the serious complications of transfusion. Use of integrally attached collection systems and strict standards for skin preparation, collection and storage of blood and components have reduced but not eliminated the risk of bacterial contamination. As bacteraemia may be part of acute or sub acute infections, strict donor selection is warranted. The longer the storage time, the greater is the number of organisms and amount of endotoxin present in the unit and associated with transfusion reactions. Importance of haemovigilance system and awareness among clinicians on the potential complications will go a long way in reducing patient morbidity. New approaches for detection of bacterial contamination, pathogen reduction and developments in the field of platelet biology will increase blood safety.