Dedicated Analyzer for Blood Banks Automates Detection of Bacterial Contamination in Platelets

The newly improved Immunetics, Inc. (Boston, MA, USA) BacTx Analyzer, which has been optimized for use with the company's [US] FDA-cleared BacTx assay, combines universal bacterial detection with simple, easy workflow integration.

The BacTx assay is a rapid, qualitative, colorimetric, test for the detection of aerobic and anaerobic, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in leukocyte-reduced apheresis platelet units (LRAP) and in pools of up to six units of leukocyte-reduced whole blood-derived platelets that were pooled within four hours of transfusion.

The assay meets the American Association of Blood Banks sensitivity recommendations for all clinically relevant bacterial strains, and is highly specific, since it detects the components of cell walls that exist in all forms of bacteria. The patented BacTx assay incorporates a binding protein that reacts only with bacterial peptidoglycan to start an enzymatic reaction. A positive reaction generates a red color that is automatically measured and reported by the BacTx Analyzer. The assay can be run in about 45 minutes, making it suitable to test platelet units shortly before they are transfused.

The BacTx Analyzer delivers a faster turnaround of results and incorporates several new automation and workflow-enhancement features. These include: bar code scanning to minimize user input error and maximize efficiency; random access testing that allows multiple assays to be run at different times; an LED touch screen for simplified operation; automated tracking of tests, trends, and quality control data; and a USB port for quick and easy download of data. The instrument boasts a small footprint that conserves valuable space in the laboratory.

“Today, the bacterial contamination of platelets represents a significant risk to the highly vulnerable patients that require transfusions. Existing approaches to detecting bacteria have fallen short, and the industry’s need for an effective, low-cost testing technology is greater than ever,” said John Yonkin, CEO of Immunetics. “Highly sensitive, specific bacterial detection, as provided by the BacTx rapid test with the BacTx Analyzer, helps improve the quality of patient care.”

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