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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination

Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination

Published on: August 24, 2015

Testing platelet components for bacterial contamination.

William G Murphy¹, Pauline Coakley

¹School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland. nmd@indigo.ie

Transfusion and Apheresis Science : Official Journal of the World Apheresis Association : Official Journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis

|July 5, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Bacterial contamination in transfused platelets poses serious risks. Current detection methods for bacteria in platelet components have limitations, but testing improves blood transfusion safety.

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Last Updated: May 31, 2026

Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination

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Published on: August 24, 2015

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

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Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Published on: January 31, 2018

Area of Science:

Transfusion Medicine
Microbiology
Blood Safety

Background:

Bacteria contaminating platelet components can lead to severe sepsis and death.
Contamination often occurs during venipuncture, with bacterial growth facilitated by room-temperature storage (20-24°C).
The risk of sepsis increases with the storage duration of platelet components.

Purpose of the Study:

To review methods for detecting bacterial contamination in platelet components.
To assess the sensitivity and specificity of existing detection tests.
To highlight the challenges and advancements in ensuring bacterial safety in platelet transfusions.

Main Methods:

Review of current bacterial detection methods for platelet components.
Analysis of limitations in sensitivity and specificity of available tests.
Discussion of challenges related to sample error and testing timelines.

Main Results:

No single perfect test currently exists for detecting bacterial contamination in platelet components.
Early-life testing is hampered by low bacterial numbers and sample error.
Rapid tests lack sufficient sensitivity for early-shelf-life or pre-transfusion testing.

Conclusions:

Despite limitations, bacterial testing of platelet components significantly enhances blood transfusion safety.
Current testing strategies prevent the transfusion of numerous bacterially contaminated platelet units annually.
Further development of sensitive and rapid detection methods is needed.