Improving platelet safety: bacterial contamination of platelets.

In developed countries, transfusion-transmitted bacterial contamination of platelets is the most common cause of fatalities related to transfusion-transmitted disease. Platelets, to maintain viability and function, must be stored at room temperature (20 degrees-24 degrees C), which creates an excellent growth environment for the proliferation of bacteria. Multiple studies have shown that 1:1000 to 1:2000 platelet units are bacterially contaminated. It is estimated that the risk of a bacterial-related death after a transfusion of a platelet unit ranges from 1:7500 to 1:100,000. The use of bacterial detection to minimize the risk of transfusion-related bacterial sepsis is gaining favor around the world. Implementation of bacterial detection methods would improve safety for patients, result in an extension of the shelf life of platelets, and reduce the outdating of platelets, thus being a cost-saving safety intervention.