Transfusion-transmitted B. microti can be a significant cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality, especially in infant, elderly, and asplenic blood recipients. These data demonstrate the need for interventions, in both endemic and nonendemic areas of the United States, to reduce patient risk.

Sample diversion and bacterial culture are effective methods to reduce bacterial risk with WBP transfusion. Bacterial contamination of PSPs was assessed at 5.8-fold our current rate for apheresis PLTs utilizing comparable culture protocols.

The data from this study show that the majority of institutions use prophylactic platelet transfusion in both pediatric and adult hematology and/or oncology patients. However, there is considerable variation in platelet transfusion practice.

Leukocyte reduction in red blood cell and platelet transfusions using third-generation filters is indicated for selected patients who are likely to receive long-term transfusion support, to prevent recurrent febrile reactions and to prevent or delay alloimmunization to leukocyte antigens. Leukocyte-depleted transfusions may also be indicated to delay or prevent refractoriness to platelet transfusion.

he Blood Products Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recommended the approval of the use of solvent T and detergent treatment for fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). The FDA is expected to issue soon a license to VI.Technologies, Inc. (VITEX, New York, NY) to produce solventldetergent (SD)-treated plasma (SD plasma). Because an estimated 2 million units of plasma are transfused in the United States each year, the availability of an alternative blood component will likely have a significant impact on physician practices and on the supply of, and demand for, FFP This report reviews issues surrounding the development of SD technologies for use in virus inactivation, current clinical data relevant to the use of SD plasma, and answers to some commonly asked questions. The review is intended not to establish a standard or requirement for the use of FFP or SD plasma, but to provide background information for medical staffs as they consider transfusion alternatives. Development of guidelines or standards for voluntary compliance will require additional clinical data.Currently, most FFP is prepared in blood centers as a by-product of whole-blood processing, although FFP can also be prepared by plasmapheresis. FFP is a relatively safe biologic; its overall risk is estimated at 7.5 adverse events per 10,000 units transfused and 3.7 adverse events per 1,000 ABBREVIATIONS: AHF = anti-hemophilic factor; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; FFP = fresh-frozen plasma; HAV = hepatitis A virus; HBV = hepatitis B virus; HCV = hepatitis C virus; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; IU = International units; SD = solventldetergent (treatment); TNBP = tri(n-buty1)phosphate; lTP = thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.From the American Association of Blood Banks Ad Hoc Committee on SolventlDetergent-Treated Plasma.