Bacterial contaminants of stored blood and blood components ready for transfusion at blood banks in Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia.

Objective: Bacterial contamination of donated blood and blood components is a major public health problem globally. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate and spectrum of bacterial contaminations and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of contaminants in stored blood and blood components.

Results: A total of 196 blood and blood components (concentrated red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets) were included.