Screening platelet concentrates for bacterial contamination using the most sensitive method available has a sensitivity of less than 40% because of the low numbers of bacteria in the initial contamination. Effective resolution of this problem will require a pathogen-inactivation technique.

No abstract

The growth characteristics of CNS in blood components vary with differences either in the subtype of bacteria or in the donor blood. Filtration reduces but does not eradicate contamination of RBCs and platelets by CNS. Plasma may act as a reservoir for CNS infection.

t has been well documented that school nursing is an increasingly complex nursing specialty, including a multitude of roles in which to practice (NASN, 2002).The Consortium of School Nurse Educators (CSNE), an NASN Special Interest Group (SIG), has been formed to discuss educational and professional issues confronting school nurse educators (faculty) today. The goal of the CSNE SIG is to foster professional growth and communication to meet the needs of school nurse educators in the United States. The purpose of the NASN CSNE SIG is:To provide a mechanism by which school nurse educators can come together in an organized, formalized manner every year at the Annual Conference.To promote communication and the exchange of information and ideas between school nurse educators and the Board of Directors.To identify and explore targeted issues of importance to school nurse educators.To promote the mission of NASN.To serve as a resource regarding school nurse education and school nursing. To identify school nurse educators who have specific expertise and can contribute to integrating that expertise into NASN activities. The CSNE is a very productive and stimulating group and any presently employed, retired or temporarily unemployed school nurse educator that belongs to NASN is invited to become a member.

To date all of the existing monoclonal antibodies which react with human prion protein have been produced following immunisation with recombinant PrP, PrP from other species or synthetic peptide fragments. The aim of this project was to produce monoclonal antibodies raised against the native form of PrP c purified from human platelets. Following immunization of PrP -/-Edinburgh mice and the use of conventional hybridoma techniques a panel of 12 monoclonal antibodies has been established. These antibodies have been characterized by epitope mapping; binding to both native/denatured platelet PrP and native/denatured a-helical/b-sheet recombinant mouse PrP; immunoprecipitation of PrP c , PrP sc and PrP res from neurological control/vCJD brain homogenates and as probes for Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and flow-cytometry studies. A range of epitopes was recognised by the panel, with discrimination between normal a-helical and abnormal b-sheet forms. Several of the antibodies specifically captured abnormal forms of prion protein (PrP sc and PrP res ) found in vCJD-infected CNS and lymphoreticular tissues. It is hoped that these antibodies will aid in the early diagnosis and classification of human prion disease and the detection of vCJD infectivity in tissues for transplant and blood donations.There are presently 161 reported cases of vCJD in the UK, with three cases associated with the receipt of blood components. However, there is currently no routine large-scale screening test for vCJD in humans. The NHSBT considers that it is essential to be in a position to validate emerging tests for vCJD as quickly as possible, to ensure that suitable tests can be implemented in a timely manner, if required by the DoH. NHSBT is proactively preparing a panel of samples that will be used in assessing tests, to determine if they are operationally fit for purpose. This work is being undertaken in a specifically designed Test Assessment Facility (TAF) at Manchester Blood Centre, which went live in November 2005. To manage the panel, the Thermo Nautilus Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has been installed. Nautilus is a highly configurable LIMS, capable of handling large amounts of data. Irreversible anonymisation, integration with robotic equipment, and the ability to interrogate other data systems and retrieve information, are key features. Whole blood donations are received into the TAF and are logged into the LIMS, which retrieves basic donor demographic information, then irreversibly anonymises it. Red cell, buffy coat and plasma components are then prepared, and robot sample handlers sub-aliquot them. The LIMS then references a data output file, and processes the sub-aliquot information, creating a detailed inventory. Wireless technology is used for plate storage. The LIMS underwent extensive validation, including the use of designated test scripts to challenge and validate all aspects of the system, plus verification of compliance with GMP and GAMP regulations. The panel builds at a rate of around 125 don...