Latest insights on bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates

Wednesday January 27^th | 3:00 – 4:15 pm (Central European Time)

3:10 – 3:35 pm

Bacterial contamination rate of platelet components by primary culture and residual risk associated with false negatives: results from two recent meta-analyses 
Ryan A. Metcalf | Medical Director, Blood Bank Assistant Professor; Inpatient Chief Value Officer; Department of Pathology | University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories

Multiple individual studies have reported bacterial contamination rates for both whole blood and apheresis platelet collections. Based on a systematic review of published data and meta-analysis best estimates of bacterial contamination rates were obtained for apheresis, platelet rich plasma and buffy coat collection methods. The impact of collection method, sample volume, positivity criteria, and study date on the bacterial contamination rate was determined. A second systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated risk associated with false negative primary culture results. 

3:35 - 4:00 pm

Transfusion transmitted bacterial infections in patients: why are they often undetected and underreported?
Richard Benjamin | Chief Medical Officer | Cerus Global Headquarters

Contaminated platelets are often transfused, yet septic reactions are reported infrequently.
Are contaminated platelets that do not cause sepsis clinically relevant? Why do septic transfusion reactions often go unnoticed? What are the reasons that only a minority of suspected reactions reported by hospitals are confirmed and are reported in official hemovigilance reports?

4:00 – 4:15 pm

Q&A-session
Marcus Picard-Maureau | Scientific Affairs Director EMEA | Cerus