Fluorescence quencher improves SCANSYSTEM for rapid bacterial detection.
OBJECTIVE
The optimized scansystem could detect contaminated platelet products within 24 h. However, the system's sensitivity was reduced by a high fluorescence background even in sterile samples, which led to the necessity of a well-trained staff for confirmation of microscope results.


METHODS
A new protocol of the optimized scansystem with the addition of a fluorescence quencher was evaluated. Pool platelet concentrates contaminated with five transfusion-relevant bacterial strains were tested in a blind study.


RESULTS
In conjunction with new analysis software, the new quenching dye was able to reduce significantly unspecific background fluorescence. Sensitivity was best for Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli (3 CFU/ml).


CONCLUSIONS
The application of a fluorescence quencher enables automated discrimination of positive and negative test results in 60% of all analysed samples.
Schmidt
M
M
Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. mschmidt@bsdhessen.de
Hourfar
M K
MK
Wahl
A
A
Nicol
S-B
SB
Montag
T
T
Roth
W K
WK
Seifried
E
E
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000382:microbiology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018805:Sepsis / Q000517:prevention & control; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes