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Estimation of bacterial risk in extending the shelf life of PLT concentrates from 5 to 7 days
Author(s) -
Lee C.K.,
Ho P.L.,
Lee K.Y.,
Cheng W.W.,
Chan N.K.,
Tsoi W.C.,
Lin C.K.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2003.00456.x
Subject(s) - gram staining , microbiological culture , shelf life , contamination , propionibacterium , blood collection , bacterial growth , medicine , biology , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , food science , antibiotics , ecology , emergency medicine , genetics
BACKGROUND: The use of bacterial culture to prevent bacterial contamination of blood components has renewed interest for extending the shelf life of PLT concentrates to 7 days after collection. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was therefore conducted to determine the residual risk of bacterial contamination in PLT concentrates at the end of 5 and 7 days after collection in a center where all PLT concentrates are routinely screened by taking samples on Day 2 for culture. PLT units with no growth after 48 hours were sampled a second time on Day 5 or Day 7 after collection, followed by inoculation into aerobic culture bottles. The inoculated bottles were then monitored for up to 7 days at 35°C in an automatic monitoring and detection system. RESULTS: During a 16‐month study period, a total of 6020 PLT concentrates were tested 5 days (Group A, n=3010) and 7 days (Group B, n=3010) after collection. Four units in each group (0.133%) were found to be contaminated. In 6 units, bacteria were seen on direct Gram stain. In addition, 5 of the associated RBC units grew the same organisms on culture. The organisms include three coagulase‐negative staphylococci and five Propionibacterium acnes. The positive rate of routine short‐term bacterial culture was 0.035 percent during the same study period. CONCLUSION: Despite routine short‐term bacterial culture, a significant risk of bacterial contamination remains at 5 and 7 days after collection. For now, the shelf life of PLT concentrates should remain 5 days.