Bacterial Detection Methods

This chapter focuses on the methods for detection of bacterial contamination of blood products and with emphasis on platelet products. Various methods are described for avoiding bacterial contamination such as donor screening, methods to reduce bacterial contamination and methods to inhibit or inactivate bacteria. In order to reduce the occurrence of bacterial contamination, the use of a diversion pouch to eliminate skin bacteria. Cold storage of the platelet inhibits or inactivates bacteria and decrease bacterial growth and reduces the risk for septic transfusion reactions. Culture-based methods are mentioned to detect contaminated products and two culture-based systems are described. Some other detection methods performed just prior to product release include immunoassay, staining and metabolic detection methods. Immunoassay is a FDA approved bacterial detection method for quality control of leukoreduced apheresis platelet products. The staining methods used for detection of bacteria in platelet products are gram stain, accrine orange and Wright stain. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Beth H. Shaz Pathology