The demand for platelets is unpredictable for many health systems, especially those with an active trauma, surgical, oncology, or maternity service line. There needs to be a consistent supply of platelets available to handle emergency cases, yet not too much to create waste - both in the monetary sense and in product that requires the ongoing commitment of community donors. The problem is compounded by the short 5-day shelf life of the typical platelet product. Because platelets are kept at room temperature, they are the most prone to bacterial contamination with the potential to cause septic transfusion reactions in patients. WellSpan Health often experienced both surpluses and deficits of platelets over time. They wanted to create a more steady and reliable supply of platelets for their patients and did so by employing a test "Verax PGD" within their transfusion services laboratory that allowed them to rule out bacterial contamination, and thereby extend the life of their platelets.
