Analysis of Bacterial Contamination in Blood Bank: Comparison of Two Different Donor Arm Disinfectant

Abstract

Bacterial contamination of transfusion products, especially platelets are the most common cause of transfusion associated morbidity and mortality. Minimizing bacterial contamination in blood products is a priority for safe transfusion practices. A prospective study was done comparing the efficiency of two different disinfectant techniques by studying the flora on donor's arm before and after disinfection. This study was undertaken as there are very few reports on this important transfusion protocol from Southern India. Mean number of colonies in post disinfection swab culture with 2% povidone iodine was found to be greater than that of 2.5% Chlorhexidine in 75% isopropyl alcohol. 2.5% chlorhexidine disinfection offers more effective reduction in bacterial contamination than 2% povidone iodine group.