Current status of rapid bacterial detection methods for platelet components: A 20-year review by the ISBT Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party Subgroup on Bacteria.

Rapid detection methods improve PC safety regarding bacterial contamination. The assays are optimal for rapidly growing bacteria, which are more likely to cause septic transfusion reactions in patients. Because of the reduced diagnostic sensitivity, the sample collection should be late in shelf-life and ideally just before transfusion. The major benefit of these methods is that the test result can be obtained before releasing PCs for transfusion or to be used in combination with other screening methods applied early during PC storage.