METHOD FOR THE MICROBIAL DECONTAMINATION OF BLOOD PLATELETS

摘要

A method for inactivating microbiological contaminants in a human blood platelet preparation is disclosed. The method comprises, first, providing blood platelets, particularly human blood platelets, suspected of being contaminated with microorganisms. The platelets are then contacted to a fixative (preferably by combining them with a 1.8 % paraformaldehyde solution) for a time sufficient to fix the platelets (preferably for 45 minutes to 1 hour). After fixing, the platelets are preferably washed and dried to produce fixed-dried blood platelets. The step of contacting the platelets to a fixative is carried out for a time sufficient to kill some or all of the contaminating microorganisms.