BacT/ALERT testing

[QCDan]

Quick question to the group...

Since CTS is discontinuing the BacT testing services for platelet product QC at the end of the year, does anyone have another testing lab that they use for this test?

Thanks

[Cliff]

We're using the hard plastic "pouch" attached to the collection bag.  You need to inoculate the bottle within 6 hours using those, so we send to a local blood center (who also does our testing).

[QCDan]

Thanks for your reply.

Sampling is not an issue for us, the lab to run the test is what we are after. Some other commercial lab out there that takes on clients for this type of testing.

[Cliff]

Not sure where you're located.  We send to Rhode Island Blood center for all of our testing, including BacT.

[QCDan]

Southern California...

Just a quick question also. Are you inoculating the bottles and then sending them to the testing lab or are they performing the inoculation step. Reason that I'm asking is because BioMerieaux states that the inoculation has to occur on site (not several hours before culturing starts)

[Cliff]

On 9/19/2018 at 5:23 PM, QCDan said:

Southern California...

Just a quick question also. Are you inoculating the bottles and then sending them to the testing lab or are they performing the inoculation step. Reason that I'm asking is because BioMerieaux states that the inoculation has to occur on site (not several hours before culturing starts)

I believe they want it in the incubator in 10 minutes or so.  We fill the hard plastic "pouch" on the Trima bag, send that to our testing vendor.  It needs to be put into the bottle within 6 hours.