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Preparation of a Blood Culture Pellet for Rapid Bacterial Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
Published on: October 15, 2014
The international experience of bacterial screen testing of platelet components with automated microbial detection
Hany Kamel1, Sandra Ramirez-Arcos2,3, Carl McDonald4
1Medical Affairs, Vitalant, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
Abstract:
In 2014, the bacterial subgroup of the Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases working party of ISBT published a review on the International Experience of Bacterial Screen Testing of Platelet Components (PCs) with an Automated Microbial Detection System. The purpose of this review, which is focused on publications on or after 2014, is to summarize recent experiences related to bacterial contamination of PCs and the use of an automated culture method to safeguard the blood supply. We first reviewed septic transfusion reactions after PC transfusion as reported in national haemovigilance systems along with a few reports from various countries on bacterial contamination of blood products. Next, we reviewed PC automated culture protocols employed by national blood services in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and large blood collection organization and hospital transfusion services in the United States. Then, we acknowledged the limitations of currently available culture methodologies in abating the risks of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection, through a review of case reports. This review was neither meant to be critical of the literature reviewed nor meant to identify or recommend a best practice. We concluded that significant risk reduction can be achieved by one or a combination of more than one strategy. No one approach is feasible for all institutions worldwide. In selecting strategies, institutions should consider the possible impact on platelet components availability and entertain a risk-based decision-making approach that accounts for operational, logistical and financial factors.
Insights
Automated bacterial screening of platelet components (PCs) significantly reduces infection risk. A combination of strategies, considering local factors, is recommended for safeguarding the blood supply.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of platelet components (PCs) poses a significant risk of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections.
- Previous reviews highlighted international experiences with automated microbial detection systems for PCs.
- Septic transfusion reactions and bacterial contamination reports underscore the need for enhanced safety measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent experiences with bacterial contamination of PCs and automated culture methods for blood supply safety.
- To review septic transfusion reactions and contamination reports globally.
- To examine PC automated culture protocols used in various countries and organizations.
Main Methods:
- Review of publications on or after 2014 focusing on bacterial contamination of PCs.
- Analysis of national haemovigilance data on septic transfusion reactions.
- Examination of automated culture protocols from blood services in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US.
- Review of case reports to identify limitations of current culture methodologies.
Main Results:
- Significant risk reduction for transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections is achievable through implemented strategies.
- Current culture methodologies have limitations in fully mitigating bacterial infection risks.
- No single approach is universally feasible for all global institutions.
Conclusions:
- A combination of strategies can effectively reduce the risk of bacterial contamination in platelet components.
- Institutions should adopt a risk-based decision-making approach considering operational, logistical, and financial factors.
- The impact of chosen strategies on platelet component availability must be carefully considered.
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