We use the Pall BDS analyzer for platelet bacterial detection. I would shy away from pooling random donor platelets and then testing them for one simple reason. If a pool were to be positive and it was a pool of, let's say, six random platelets, how do you know what unit had bacteria in it? Do you then want to quarantine and culture every other product that was made? I know I don't want to do that. Also it may save time but how long will a pooled platelet be good for in your facility? With our current methods and equipment our pools are only good for four hours.
