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Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Three different bacterial detection systems for platelet concentrates under inter-laboratory conditions.
Bian GuoHui1, Yang Chunhui, He Miao
1Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China.
Summary
Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and automated culturing detected bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) more effectively than flow cytometry (FACS). These findings are crucial for improving blood product safety and preventing transfusion-transmitted infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Platelet concentrates (PCs) require screening for bacterial contamination to prevent transfusion-transmitted sepsis.
- Current screening methods aim to enhance the safety of blood products worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sensitivity of three methods for detecting bacterial contamination in PCs: flow cytometry (FACS), BacT/Alert automated culturing, and quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR).
Main Methods:
- Platelet concentrates were inoculated with five bacterial species at varying concentrations (1, 10, 100 CFU/ml).
- Samples were analyzed using FACS, BacT/Alert, and Q-PCR after 7 days of storage at 22°C.
Main Results:
- Q-PCR detected all five bacterial species at all tested concentrations.
- BacT/Alert identified bacteria within an average of 15.13 hours.
- FACS showed variable detection times, with some species and concentrations detected later than others, and Staphylococcus epidermidis at 1 CFU/ml only detected on day 6.
Conclusions:
- Under standard laboratory conditions, FACS demonstrated lower sensitivity for detecting bacterial contamination in PCs compared to BacT/Alert and Q-PCR.
- Automated culturing and Q-PCR are more sensitive methods for screening bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates.
