Pathogen Reduction for Platelets-A Review of Recent Implementation Strategies

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Blood Component Safety
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) are crucial for improving the safety of labile blood components.
• While PRT for plasma and platelets are established, PRT for red blood cells and whole blood is still under development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for mitigating septic reactions in platelet recipients.
• To summarize findings on the economic and organizational aspects of implementing platelet PRT.
• To discuss the impact of PRT on platelet availability and costs.

Main Methods:

• Review of US FDA recommendations for septic reaction mitigation.
• Analysis of recent reports on economic and organizational issues of platelet PRT.
• Examination of mathematical models assessing PRT impact on platelet supply chain.

Main Results:

• Commercial PRT platforms for plasma and platelets are available and used globally.
• Phased implementation of PRT, starting with high-risk patients, is a common strategy.
• Mathematical models can predict the effects of PRT on platelet costs and shortages.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in PRT for labile blood components.
• Careful planning is essential for successful PRT implementation, considering resources.
• Further research is needed to reduce storage lesion in PRT platelets and expand PRT applicability.