In a patient undergoing extensive transfusion during major surgery, which component is most likely to be the source of postoperative sepsis?

In a patient undergoing extensive transfusion during major surgery, which component is most likely to be the source of postoperative sepsis?

• A. Packed red blood cells
• B. Cryoprecipitate
• C. Platelets
• D. Fresh frozen plasma

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that platelet units carry the highest risk of causing transfusion-related sepsis because they are stored at room temperature for several days. This warm, not-cold storage creates an environment in which any contaminating bacteria can grow, so even a small contamination in a platelet unit can multiply and trigger septic reactions once transfused. In contrast, packed red blood cells are kept refrigerated, which slows bacterial growth; fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate come from plasma that is frozen and only thawed for use, reducing bacterial proliferation risk. Thus, among common transfusion components, platelets have the greatest potential to introduce sepsis postoperatively due to their storage conditions and associated contamination risk.

The main idea is that platelet units carry the highest risk of causing transfusion-related sepsis because they are stored at room temperature for several days. This warm, not-cold storage creates an environment in which any contaminating bacteria can grow, so even a small contamination in a platelet unit can multiply and trigger septic reactions once transfused. In contrast, packed red blood cells are kept refrigerated, which slows bacterial growth; fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate come from plasma that is frozen and only thawed for use, reducing bacterial proliferation risk. Thus, among common transfusion components, platelets have the greatest potential to introduce sepsis postoperatively due to their storage conditions and associated contamination risk.