[Pathogen inactivation in platelet concentrates: the French experience]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Infectious Disease Control

Context:

• Increasing use of platelet transfusions in oncohematology patients undergoing chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
• Platelet concentrates stored at room temperature pose a risk of transmitting pathogenic agents, particularly bacteria.
• Current bacterial detection methods partially mitigate but do not eliminate septic risks.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photochemical inactivation of platelet concentrates.
• To assess the impact of amotosalen and UVA treatment on pathogen reduction in platelet products.
• To advocate for the universal implementation of pathogen inactivation for labile blood products.

Summary:

• Photochemical inactivation using amotosalen and UVA has been successfully implemented for five years in a French region.
• This method effectively reduces the risk of transmitting infectious agents, including bacteria, with platelet concentrates.
• The technique has demonstrated both efficacy and safety across a broad patient population.

Impact:

• Universal pathogen inactivation in labile blood products is crucial for improving transfusion safety.
• Reduces transfusion-associated infections, especially in vulnerable oncohematology patient populations.
• Establishes a new standard for blood product safety, minimizing septic complications.