Pathogen inactivation: an American view

Prevention of bacterial contamination, including initial flow diversion

“…The reader is also referred to two recent reviews [80,81] and the International Forum [56] which summarize the important questions and debate in this area.…”

Blood safety: bacterial screening of blood products

“…Detection methods, including screening of blood components, are the subject of this review. Preventive measures include careful donor selection and predonation health screening, with donor deferral and follow‐up of postdonation information as required [4,5]; optimization of blood collection and manufacturing processes, including improvements in skin cleansing procedures [6–9], choice of collection method and consumables, diversion of initial volume away from the collection bag [10–16], environmental monitoring, and greater availability of the use of apheresis platelets to minimize exposure to donor skin flora [17,18]; developments in pathogen reduction technologies [19–24]; attention to component storage and handling; and promotion of evidence‐based clinical transfusion practice [24,25].…”