Agencies identify 7 linked cases of sepsis after transfusion since 2018

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration have identified seven linked cases of sepsis after transfusion from bacterially contaminated platelet blood products since 2018, according to a recent FDA safety communication.  
 
“These unusual cases demonstrate that it is important for blood establishments and transfusion services to continue to recognize the risk of bacterial contamination of platelets, including in bacterially tested and pathogen-reduced platelet components,” FDA said.