<i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i>contamination of a feline packed red blood cell unit and studies of canine units

Abstract

P. fluorescens grows in stored pRBCs slowly at 4 degrees C and rapidly at 20 degrees C. Screening of blood products for color change, estimating bacterial concentration with microscopy, and 16S PCR testing are simple and fast ways to detect bacteria in stored blood. Aseptic collection, temperature-controlled storage, and regular visual monitoring of stored units is recommended. Discolored units should not be transfused, but examined for bacterial contamination or other blood product quality problems.