The report states that transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections are likely underdiagnosed because recipients are often given broad spectrum antibiotics or have underlying medical conditions that increase sepsis risk, or the septic reaction might not be attributed to the transfusion. It further recommends that blood suppliers and hospitals consider additional mitigation strategies, including pathogen inactivation.

The cases were recently published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report¹.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Implementation of evidence-based strategies, including pathogen inactivation, rapid detection devices, and modified screening of bacterial culture protocols can mitigate the risk for bacterial contamination of platelets.

While in the hospital, the ultimate priority should be safeguarding patients. INTERCEPT^TM Blood System for Platelets can be that life-saving device, helping to improve patient outcomes.