title: A novel method for the detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates utilizing oxygen consumption as a marker for bacterial growth.
abstract: Bacterial transfusion-transmission remains a significant problem in transfusion medicine. Diversion and improved donor arm disinfection has been introduced by blood services to reduce bacterial transmissions. These interventions are not 100% effective and, therefore, there is still a requirement to screen blood donations, particularly platelet concentrates which are responsible for the majority of transmissions. Pall BDS, a novel bacterial testing system, detects the presence of bacteria in platelet concentrates by measuring the reduction in oxygen content associated with bacterial growth. Buffy coat-derived pooled platelet concentrates were spiked with 12 aerobic and two anaerobic organisms (one species per bag, n = 10) at 100-700 cfu mL(-1). Samples were taken into Pall BDS sample pouches and incubated for 0, 24, 30 and 48 h. An initial incubation was undertaken at 35 degrees C for 24 h and subsequent incubation was at 22 degrees C. At the end of the incubation period the oxygen content in the Pall BDS pouches was measured using a gas analyser. An oxygen content less than or equal to 19.5% was deemed to be positive. Pall BDS pouches tested positive in 80, 94 and 98% units spiked with aerobic bacteria at 24, 30 and 48 h, respectively. Anaerobic bacteria were not detected by the system. Positive BDS pouches contained 10(6) cfu mL(-1) or greater. The system was simple and easy to perform. Pall BDS has a closed sampling system which prevents exogenous contamination. This initial study indicates that the Pall BDS offers a practicable system for detecting bacteria present in leucodepleted platelet concentrates.
authors.affiliation: National Bacteriology Laboratory, National Blood Service, Colindale Avenue, North London NW9 5BG, UK. carl.mcdonald@nbs.nhs.uk
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Colvin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robbins
authors.forename: J A J
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Barbara
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000382:microbiology*; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011786:Quality Control
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers