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Preparation and Pathogen Inactivation of Double Dose Buffy Coat Platelet Products using the INTERCEPT Blood System
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[Reduction of bacterial contamination during mechanical autotransfusion by uv irradiation--initial results]

A Schürholz1, S Opitz, G Dietrich

  • 1Abteilung Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.

Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical Engineering
|May 23, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

UV light effectively eliminates coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) from autologous blood processed by cell separators. Optimal 4-second irradiation eradicates bacteria, though longer exposure increases harmful byproducts in red blood cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Hematology

Context:

  • Intraoperative autologous blood collection via cell separators reduces donor blood reliance.
  • Bacterial contamination, primarily by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), is a significant issue (5-75%) in this process.
  • Investigating methods to mitigate contamination is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of UV-radiation in decontaminating autologous blood from CNS.
  • To assess the impact of UV-radiation on red blood cells (erythrocytes) and hemoglobin levels.
  • To determine optimal UV irradiation parameters for bacterial elimination.

Summary:

  • Autologous blood processed by cell separators was diluted to 1% hematocrit for UV-radiation (λ 254 nm).
  • Optimal UV irradiation duration of 4 seconds completely eliminated CNS bacteria.
  • Increased free hemoglobin (12.5 mg/L) and methaemoglobin (15.5%) were observed at 4 seconds, indicating cellular damage.

Impact:

  • UV-radiation presents a potential strategy to prevent CNS contamination in cell-separator blood.
  • Further modifications are needed to minimize side effects and enhance decontamination efficacy before clinical use.
  • This research contributes to improving the safety of autologous blood transfusion during surgery.

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