Your lab focus. Rapid assay for bacteria detection in platelets.

Sepsis due to platelets contaminated by bacteria is often caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis and diptheroids.We developed a rapid latex agglutination test for the detection of S. epidermidis contamination in platelets. The 5-minute assay specifically detected Staphylococcus in platelets at concentrations as low as 1/16 of a McFarland 1 standard and is easy to interpret.The assay is a rapid and sensitive test for detection of bacterial contamination in platelets and is feasible for routine blood bank use.Improvements in sensitivity and addition of antibodies directed against other pathogens may allow extension of the outdating period of platelets to 7 days by providing a test to exclude contaminated units prior to transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]