Sorveglianza igienico-sanitaria per la prevenzione della contaminazione microbica degli emoderivati: esperienza in una azienda ospedaliera marchigiana (1992-1999).

Blood transfusion is usually a safe and effective procedure. However, bacterial infections transmitted by blood or its products, although rare, remain a serious problem. The authors report an eight year surveillance (1992-1999) on sterility of blood or its products being prepared and distributed by the Blood Transfusion Service of Umberto I in Ancona, Italy. Out of 1084 sample analysed, 14 (1.3%) were contaminated by Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, hominis, Enterococcus faecalis. No sample was positive in the empty bag sterility test. No transfusion reactions have ever arisen following the administration of hemocomponents. The surveillance set up at Umberto I Hospital, during the last eight years demonstrated that high levels of prevention can be guaranteed.