| dc.description.abstract | In low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) the maintenance of standards relating
to the transport and storage of blood may be more difficult to achieve. Bacteria contamination and
hyperkalemia represent two significant risks. The objectives of this study were to assess the viability
of transfused blood defined by negative blood culture and potassium concentration of less than
42mmol/l.
Samples from 84 units of whole blood and packed cells were collected aseptically and
analyzed to determine the presence of bacteria by culturing and the level of potassium. Method of
storage/transport once the units left the blood bank (cool box or room temperature) was also recorded.
Results. 8 samples (10.5%) showed a positive culture and the organisms isolated included
Pseudomonas fluorescens, Corynabacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus capitis.
Only 12.5% of the culture positive units were stored in cooler boxes compared to 35.5% of the culture
negative units. The mean potassium content was 12.25mmol/l (±7.4SD). None of these were outside
the expected range for stored blood. However, blood stored at room temperature was found to have a
higher potassium concentration than blood stored in a cool box. The median time between blood
leaving the blood bank to the time the transfusion was actually commenced was 6(IQR±6) hours and
a range of 1-14hours.
Under the prevailing circumstances at the University Teaching Hospital, bacterial
contamination remains a significant risk in recipients of whole blood and packed cells. The current
practice, therefore, needs improvement. This study recommends continued medical education in the
transport and storage of blood and blood products. | en |
