Effect of platelet additive solution on bacterial dynamics and their influence on platelet quality in stored platelet concentrates

BACKGROUND: Platelet additive solutions (PASs) are an alternative to plasma for the storage of platelet concentrates (PCs). However, little is known about the effect of PAS on the growth dynamics of contaminant bacteria. Conversely, there have been no studies on the influence of bacteria on platelet (PLT) quality indicators when suspended in PAS. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight buffy coats were pooled, split, and processed into PCs suspended in either plasma or PAS (SSP+, MacoPharma). PCs were inoculated with 10 and 100 colony‐forming units (CFUs)/bag of either Serratia liquefaciens or Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial growth was measured over 5 days by colony counts and bacterial biofilm formation was assayed by scanning electron microscopy and crystal violet staining. Concurrently, PLT markers were measured by an assay panel and flow cytometry. RESULTS: S. liquefaciens exhibited an apparent slower doubling time in plasma‐suspended PCs (plasma‐PCs). Biofilm formation by S. liquefaciens and S. epidermidis was significantly greater in PCs stored in plasma than in PAS. Although S. liquefaciens altered several PLT quality markers by Days 3 to 4 postinoculation in both PAS‐ and plasma‐PCs, S. epidermidis contamination did not produce measurable PLT changes. CONCLUSIONS: S. liquefaciens can be detected more quickly in PAS‐suspended PCs (PAS‐PCs) than in plasma‐PCs by colony counting. Furthermore, reduced biofilm formation by S. liquefaciens and S. epidermidis during storage in PAS‐PCs increases bacteria availability for sampling detection. Culture‐based detection remains the earliest indicator of bacterial presence in PAS‐PCs, while changes of PLT quality can herald S. liquefaciens contamination when in excess of 108 CFUs/mL.