Reduction of platelet transfusion- associated sepsis by short-term bacterial culture.

Objective: There is as yet no suitable routine laboratory test for a blood transfusion service to detect bacterial contamination in platelets. This study evaluates the effectiveness and the applicability of short-term bacterial culture for such a purpose.

Methods: Samples from 5-unit platelet pools were inoculated into an aerobic culture bottle, then monitored for 48 h at 35 degrees C in an automated monitoring and detection system.

Results: 26,210 whole-blood-derived platelet components were tested, of which 14 (0.053%) platelet units were found to be contaminated. In addition, nine of the associated red cell units and 4 fresh-frozen plasma units grew the same organisms on culture.

Conclusions: Short-duration bacterial culture by an automated system is effective and suitable for routine screening in a regional transfusion center.