Transfusion Reaction Work-ups

[mrmic]

I am curious to find out what methods other Microbiology Labs are using for investigating Transfusion Reactions for the Blood Bank Transfusion Service?  Limited verbal communications suggest there are a lot of variations out there.   Based on product, how do you screen for Salmonella, etc., Staph aureus, Yeast or Yersinia?   Currently, the ways its has been handed down for X years, is that we inoculate three Thio broth tubes and incubate them at 4C, 22C, and 35-37C for 5 days.   If there is any growth we, gram stain and sub to appropriate media plates.     I am a little concerned if this is still adequate, esp for Yersinia spp.   What does your Blood Bank Transfusion Service "think" you are screening for? 

Thanks

[donellda]

If you have enough of the unit left, you could use blood culture vials along with an initial gram stain.