Pathogen reduction of platelets: experience of a single blood bank

Abstract

: Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) has the potential to prevent pathogen transfusion transmission from blood donor to patient by impeding the replication of bacteria, viruses and parasites in blood components. Additionally, PRT can help to guarantee blood safety in challenging situations for blood supply, as in the Ebola or Chikungunya epidemics, or in a scenario full of uncertainties such as the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The Balearic Islands Blood Bank (BIBB) is one of the few blood establishments worldwide with more than 10 years of experience in the routine use of amotosalen/UVA (Intercept Blood System) and riboflavin/UVA-UVB (Mirasol PRT system) for platelets (PLTs), the use of riboflavin/UVA-UVB for plasma and with research experience in riboflavin/UVA-UVB applied to whole blood. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to evaluate PRT from different perspectives, such as clinical and hemovigilance research in adults and children, in vitro studies on PRT effects on PLTs and assessing the financial impact of PRT implementation. PRT methods offer remarkable benefits but also have certain limitations, which are important to bear in mind during the decision-making process for PRT implementation. The purpose of this study is to review the current knowledge on PRT for PLTs drawing on our experience acquired over the last decade.