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Pathogen reduction: state of reflection in Ireland.
1Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre, Dublin, Ireland. nmd@indigo.ie
Summary
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is evaluating pathogen reduction for platelets to enhance safety against emerging infections and bacterial contamination. This assessment balances public health benefits with the economic implications of implementing this technology.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Blood Safety Technology
Background:
- Ireland has used pathogen reduction for plasma (Octaplas™/Uniplas™) since 2002.
- Concerns exist regarding emerging transfusion-transmitted infections and bacterial contamination in platelets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and affordability of implementing pathogen reduction for platelets in Ireland.
- To evaluate the impact on public health and resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices and emerging technologies in pathogen reduction.
- Cost-benefit analysis considering implementation factors.
Main Results:
- Pathogen reduction addresses risks from novel infections and bacterial contamination.
- Implementation costs require careful balancing against public health benefits and resource availability.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen reduction for platelets is under consideration to improve blood safety in Ireland.
- Economic factors and potential benefits like discontinuing irradiation and extending shelf-life are key considerations.
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