Testing of Platelet Components to Detect Potential Bacterial Contamination Prior to
Release for Transfusion
Several accrediting agencies require testing of platelet components to detect potential bacterial
contamination prior to release for transfusion. OneBlood tests all platelet components, which
includes Apheresis Platelets, Whole Blood Derived Platelets and Acrodose™ Platelets.
Aliquots from each component are obtained, inoculated and incubated under aerobic
conditions in the BACT Alert Microbial Detection System manufactured by BioMerieux™. This
methodology has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an acceptable
quality control process to detect bacterial contamination in blood products.
Under routine circumstances the aliquot cultures are incubated for 12 hours. At the end of 12
hours, platelets that have been tested and found negative are released for distribution.
Accrediting agencies do allow platelet products to be released prior to the 12 hours of
incubation for inventory needs.
All cultures are maintained and incubated for the five day shelf life of the platelet. If a positive
culture is detected after a product is distributed, a market withdrawal is initiated and hospital is
notified.
If you have any questions about the bacterial detection process for platelet components please
contact OneBlood Director of Biologics Distribution, Deborah Rutherford at 352.255.5171 or
via email at Deborah.Rutherford@oneblood.org.