Bacterial Mitigation in Platelets

Vitalant’s Process and What to Expect

Patient safety is our top priority. Vitalant uses multiple layers of bacterial mitigation and monitoring to reduce risk in platelet products and to ensure timely, transparent communication with our hospital partners when a positive bacterial detection occurs.

This page outlines our process, how and when you’ll be notified, and where to go for additional support and resources.

Bacterial Mitigation in Platelets: The Vitalant Process

Vitalant employs FDA-approved and industry-standard bacterial mitigation strategies throughout the platelet lifecycle. These processes are designed to detect potential bacterial contamination as early as possible and support informed clinical decision-making.

Our approach includes:

• Standardized bacterial detection testing.
• Ongoing monitoring of culture results.
• Centralized review and follow-up when a positive alert is identified.

What Happens When There Is a Positive Bacterial Detection?

When a positive bacterial detection alert occurs, Vitalant initiates an internal investigation to evaluate the full donation and associated products.

This investigation may include:

• Identification of which culture bottle triggered the alert (aerobic, anaerobic, or both).
• Review of additional test results tied to the donation.
• Ongoing updates as new information becomes available.

Our goal is to provide clear, clinically relevant information as quickly as possible.

How Will I Be Alerted If I Received a Product with a Positive Bacterial Detection?

If your facility received a platelet product associated with a positive bacterial detection:

1. Initial notification will occur by phone.
2. Written follow-up will be sent via email or fax using the Customer Contact Sheet.

Follow-up communications are coordinated through a centralized Vitalant team to ensure consistency, completeness and timely updates.

Replacement Product Support

If a replacement product is needed, Vitalant will coordinate directly with your local Deliver team to arrange appropriate product replacement as quickly as possible.

What If the Platelet Has Already Been Transfused?

If the platelet product has already been transfused:

• You will receive follow-up communication related to the positive detection.
• Vitalant may request information regarding any recipient transfusion reactions.
• Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.

Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?

If you have questions related to a positive bacterial detection alert, follow-up communication or next steps, please contact your Vitalant representative or follow the contact information provided in your notification materials.

Keeping Your Contact Information Up to Date

Timely communication depends on accurate contact information.

If your facility’s contact details have changed, please notify your Vitalant representative as soon as possible to ensure you receive critical notifications without delay.

Education and Resources

To support your teams, Vitalant offers the following resources:

• Micro-learning video: Short, on-demand education explaining what to expect and how to respond.
• AABB form: Direct link for reference and documentation.

These tools are designed to support consistent understanding across clinical, laboratory and quality teams.