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Updated: May 14, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Routine bacterial screening of apheresis platelets on Day 4 using a rapid test: a 4-year single-center experience
Nancy M Dunbar1, Justin D Kreuter, Cynthia R Marx-Wood
1Department of Pathology, Department of Medicine, Center for Transfusion Medicine Research, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Insights
Secondary bacterial screening of platelet products using the Pan Genera Detection (PGD) test showed low yield. However, PGD testing on Day 4 may extend platelet shelf life to Day 7 during shortages.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Blood Banking
Background:
- The Pan Genera Detection (PGD) test is a rapid bacterial detection system for screening platelet (PLT) products.
- This study evaluates a single center's 46-month experience with secondary screening of apheresis PLTs using PGD testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility and yield of secondary PGD testing for bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet units.
- To determine if PGD testing can inform decisions regarding platelet shelf life extension.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 8535 apheresis PLT units screened by routine culture and secondary PGD testing between July 2008 and April 2012.
- PGD testing was performed on Day 4 for in-date units and Day 8 for out-of-date units.
Main Results:
- Of 3505 units tested on Day 4, 25 (0.71%) were initially PGD reactive, but all were false positives confirmed by repeat testing or culture.
- 364 PGD nonreactive units were transfused on Day 6 or 7 due to clinical need.
- 371 outdated units tested on Day 8 were all PGD nonreactive.
Conclusions:
- Secondary PGD testing of culture-screened apheresis PLTs yields low positive results in a medium-sized transfusion service.
- Implementing PGD testing on Day 4 could potentially extend apheresis PLT shelf life to Day 7, aiding hospitals with supply constraints.
Background:
The platelet (PLT) Pan Genera Detection test (PGD) is a rapid bacterial detection system used to screen PLTs for bacterial contamination. We report a single center 46-month experience with secondary screening of apheresis PLTs by PGD testing.
Study Design And Methods:
Existing testing records of apheresis PLTs screened by PGD from July 2008 to April 2012 were reviewed. All PLT units were initially screened by routine postcollection culture methods. Secondary screening using PGD was performed for indated PLTs on PLT storage Day 4 and for outdated PLTs on Day 8.
Results:
A total of 8535 apheresis PLTs were available in inventory during the study period. Of these, 5030 (58.9%) were dispensed and transfused before PGD testing and 3505 (41.1%) underwent PGD testing on Day 4. Twenty-five units tested on Day 4 were PGD initial reactive (0.71%). All were confirmed to be false positive by repeat PGD testing in triplicate (n=20) or by confirmatory culture (n=5). An additional 364 units that were PGD nonreactive on Day 4 were approved for transfusion on Day 6 or Day 7 due to urgent clinical need. A total of 371 outdated units underwent repeat PGD testing before discard on Day 8; all were nonreactive.
Conclusion:
Secondary PGD testing of culture-screened apheresis PLTs results in low yield in a medium-sized transfusion service. Use of PGD testing on Day 4 may allow for extension of the apheresis PLT shelf life to Day 7 for hospitals that face supply constraints.
