Why Pathogen Reduction?
Recognized as an effective measure to reduce transfusion-transmitted infectious (TTI) risk, pathogen reduction for platelet components provides a holistic solution to blood centers and hospital clients, ultimately benefiting patients who need it most. Not only does pathogen reduction comply with FDA’s guidance on addressing bacterial contamination, it reduces risk beyond bacteria with mitigation of TTI due to viruses and parasites, as well as TA-GVHD due to T-Cells. Furthermore, pathogen reduction can be used as an alternative to bacterial testing, CMV testing and gamma irradiation which helps streamline operations.
Treat versus Test
PR is proactive – not reactive like testing.
A proactive approach enables TTI risk reduction of a broad spectrum of pathogens, including emerging pathogens for which tests may not yet be available. Furthermore, false positive results, and associated product re-calls are avoided with PR, which can be inherent with testing.
A proactive approach to mitigating TTI risk >
Bacteria and Beyond

Broad spectrum pathogen reduction >
Addressing bacterial contamination >
An alternative to certain test and procedures >
Improve Platelet Stewardship / Availability

Pathogen reduction (PR) offers:
- Potential release of product on day one.
Early release provides added flexibility for managing inventory and may enable hospitals to attain platelets sooner. - A transfusion-ready product.
This single-step strategy requires no primary or secondary testing. - Help ensure blood supply continuity
with its ability to mitigate TTI risk due to emerging pathogens.
Economic/Operational Value

An alternative to certain test and procedures >
Transfusion Ready platelet products with PR >
Blood Matters.™
*Certain non-enveloped viruses (e.g., HAV, HEV, B19 and poliovirus) and Bacillus cereus spores have demonstrated resistance to the INTERCEPT process.
- Bacterial Risk Control Strategies for Blood Collection Establishments and Transfusion Services to Enhance the Safety and Availability of Platelets for Transfusion: Guidance for Industry, September 2019.
- The INTERCEPT Blood System for Platelets Package Insert, Cerus Corporation; May 28, 2019