Reducing risk of blood product contamination:

1. Improved donor screening.

2. Improved venepuncture site disinfection.

3. Removal of first aliquot of donor blood.

B. Optimizing blood component processing and storage:

1. Optimize storage temperature.

2. Limit storage time.

3. Universal leukocyte reduction.

C. Reduce recipient exposure to blood donors:

1. Optimize transfusion indications.

2. Reduce transfusion triggers for RBCs and platelets.

3. Increase use of apheresis-derived products.

Pretransfusion bacterial detection:

1. Visual inspection of components before issue.

2. Direct staining for bacteria.

3. Bacterial ribosomal assays.

4. Assays for bacterial endotoxin.

5. NAT for bacterial DNA.

6. Measure CO₂ production by bacteria.

7. Measure O₂ consumption by bacteria.

8. Direct bacterial culture (manual or automated).

Implement pathogen reduction methodology when available.