Streptococcus agalactiae sepsis after transfusion of a plateletpheresis concentrate: benefit of donor evaluation.

Background: Bacterial contamination of platelet (PLT) components is an important cause of transfusion reactions. Recent efforts have focused on heightened surveillance to detect contamination before transfusion to limit recipient morbidity and mortality. Although identifying the cause of contamination is most often viewed in the context of recipient safety, this case illustrates the importance of a thorough evaluation on donor safety.

Randomized placebo-controlled study of oral calcium carbonate supplementation in plateletpheresis: II. Metabolic effects.

Background: The metabolic effects of oral calcium (Ca) supplementation during plateletpheresis were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Study Design And Methods: Twenty-three donors underwent four plateletpheresis procedures each, receiving in random order, elemental Ca (Ca) 1 or 2 g orally, or a corresponding placebo, 30 minutes before donation. Ten of these donors underwent a fifth procedure using a 4-g Ca dose.

Randomized placebo-controlled study of oral calcium carbonate administration in plateletpheresis: I. Associations with donor symptoms.

Background: The effect of oral calcium (Ca) supplements in preventing citrate-induced symptoms during plateletpheresis was evaluated in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Study Design And Methods: Twenty-three donors (12 men, 11 women) underwent four plateletpheresis procedures each, ingesting either 1 or 2 g of oral Ca carbonate or an equivalent placebo 30 minutes before donation. Ten of these subjects subsequently ingested 4 g of open-label Ca before a fifth procedure.