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Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Microbiological Screening of Bacterial contamination of Platelet Concentrates units: a single center observational
Wafaa Alhazmi1, Afnan Khouj1,2, Abdulrahman Al-Ahdal3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Bacterial contamination of donated platelets is a major issue in transfusion medicine. Platelet concentrates (PCs) are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination due to their storage conditions at room temperature, which offers a suitable environment for bacterial proliferation. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in the donated platelets units and to identify the isolated microorganisms in samples collected in blood bank services at King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Material And Methods:
A total of 4,318 PCs units including random and pooled platelets were screened for bacterial contamination in the microbiology laboratory. All PCs units were inoculated into blood bottles and loaded into the BacT/ALERT microbial detection system to screen for any suspected bacterial growth over five days. Positive platelet units were subcultured on nutrient agar and incubated overnight at 37°C. The microbiological identification of contaminated PCs units was then performed using the Microscan WalkAway system.
Results:
Six positive bacterial isolates were recovered and isolated from the screened PCs units. Most of the microorganisms isolated from contaminated platelets were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), including Staphylococcus capitis (50%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (17%), and Corynebacterium species (33%) among the isolates.
Conclusion:
Microorganisms isolated from PCs units were mainly skin contaminants related to procedures used during donor phlebotomy or lab processing techniques. However, the rate of bacterial contamination of the donated PCs units subjected to screening was low in this study. The continuous improvement of safety precautions, protocols, and quality assurance of blood collection and storage procedures is essential to reduce the risk of contaminating donated units and any potential post blood transfusion reactions.
Insights
Bacterial contamination in donated platelets is a concern. This study found a low contamination rate, with coagulase-negative staphylococci being the most common bacteria in platelet concentrates.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Blood Banking
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of donated platelets is a significant challenge in transfusion medicine.
- Platelet concentrates (PCs) stored at room temperature are prone to bacterial growth.
- This study addresses bacterial contamination in donated platelets at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in donated platelet units.
- To identify specific microorganisms contaminating platelet concentrates.
- To assess bacterial contamination in blood bank services in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- Screened 4,318 platelet concentrate units for bacterial contamination.
- Utilized the BacT/ALERT microbial detection system for bacterial growth screening.
- Identified isolates using the Microscan WalkAway system after subculturing.
Main Results:
- Six positive bacterial isolates were recovered from screened platelet units.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the predominant contaminants.
- Specific CoNS identified included Staphylococcus capitis (50%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (17%), and Corynebacterium species (33%).
Conclusions:
- Isolated microorganisms were primarily skin contaminants from collection or processing.
- The study observed a low rate of bacterial contamination in donated platelet units.
- Enhancing safety protocols and quality assurance is crucial to minimize contamination risks and transfusion reactions.
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