Bacterial Screening of Blood Components: Past, Present and Possibly Future Methodologies for Improving Transfusion Safetys

Abstract

Major developments have been made in the past two decades to ensure that products are free from viral pathogens. Such improvements were achieved, mainly by the introduction of advanced screening methodologies such as Nucleic Acid Testing. Even though this has vastly improved transfusion safety, bacterial contamination remains a persistent threat. To mitigate this, improved donor arm disinfection, blood diversion pouches and proactive screening of blood components have been implemented by transfusion services all over the globe with great success. This review will focus on how current bacterial screening methodologies have improved over the years and how newer developments within this sector may further reduce the undesired possibility of transfusing contaminated blood products.