Platelet Pathogen Reduction Technology-Should We Stay or Should We Go…?

Area of Science:

• Blood Transfusion Medicine
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in blood transfusion services (BTS), impacting blood product availability and safety.
• Global travel and globalization have led to reduced donor pools and increased awareness of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI).
• Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) has emerged as a potential tool to enhance blood safety and supply resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the role and challenges of implementing pathogen reduction technology (PRT) for platelet products in blood transfusion services (BTS).
• To discuss the implications of PRT adoption on BTS operations and blood supply.
• To analyze the cost-effectiveness of integrating PRT into standard blood transfusion practices.

Main Methods:

• Critical commentary based on existing literature and expert opinion.
• Review of studies validating PRT for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) control.
• Discussion of operational challenges and economic considerations for PRT implementation.

Main Results:

• PRT is validated for controlling transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) but is not yet standard care in many blood transfusion services (BTS).
• Implementation of PRT for platelets presents specific challenges for BTS.
• The cost-effectiveness of PRT adoption requires careful consideration.

Conclusions:

• PRT holds significant potential to improve blood safety and mitigate risks for blood transfusion services (BTS), particularly in the context of global health challenges.
• Addressing the challenges and assessing the cost-effectiveness are crucial for widespread PRT adoption.
• Further research and strategic planning are needed to integrate PRT effectively into routine blood transfusion practices.