Fig. 1.

Bacterial screening strategies. Bacterial screening in platelets can be performed by: A Culture methods with a ‘negative-to-date’ concept. Although this system has a high sensitivity, most platelet concentrates are already transfused before a reactive signal occurs. B Rapid bacterial detection methods with a late sample collection. This strategy includes a release of platelet concentrates on day 1 and 2 without bacterial screening and on day 3 to 5 with bacterial screening. Several methods are possible (NAT or FACS systems). The analytical sensitivity is slightly reduced. C Bedside tests immediately before transfusion. This strategy includes 100% bacterial testing before transfusion. The performance is transferred from the blood establishments to hospitals. The risk for sample errors will be reduced to a minimum, but the analytical sensitivity will be lower than for strategies A and B.