Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates: results of a prospective multicenter study comparing pooled whole blood–derived platelets and apheresis platelets

Abstract

The rate of confirmed bacterial contamination of PC units was low. Nevertheless, clinicians must be aware of this risk. The risk of bacterial contamination does not warrant universal preference of APCs. It must be questioned whether routine bacterial screening by a culture method can sufficiently prevent contaminated products from being transfused due to the delay until a positive signal in the culture system and due to false-negative results.