The efficacy of donor arm disinfection techniques in reducing platelet contamination.

Abstract

Bacterial contamination of blood and its components can be mostly attributed to inadequate skin venipuncture site disinfection, defective blood bags and associated equipment together with inappropriate storage or processing. Since platelets are stored at room temperature (21-23°C), they are most likely to be contaminated since bacterial growth is enhanced at this temperature. The main aim of this study was to validate the current method used to disinfect the donor's arm using 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) carried out at the four different blood donation sites:- The National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC), Gozo General Hospital (GGH), Soverign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) and Mobile unit. This study found a statistically significant difference between bacterial counts present on the non-donation arm and those present on the donation arm following disinfection (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between gender and bacterial counts (p = 0.918). Negative correlation was present between bacterial counts and donor age (p = 0.874). Disinfection methods using 70% IPA, and 70% IPA followed by the application of decolorised Iodine Tincture were compared in relation to bacterial counts present on the donation arm following disinfection. Both disinfection methods yielded optimal results namely zero bacterial counts at the venipuncture site following disinfection. This study concludes that the skin disinfection technique currently in use at the four blood donation sites using 70% IPA is effective enough in reducing bacterial contamination of blood and its components.