The Verax platelet PGD test from Verax Biomedical, Marlborough, Mass, is a rapid test for the detection of bacterial contamination in platelets intended for transfusion. Used on the day of transfusion at the point of care, the test is an immunoassay that quickly detects bacterial contamination in platelets and protects patients from receiving contaminated transfusions. Compared to pathogen inactivation technologies, the test is a more cost-effective and less-invasive approach to platelet bacterial safety. The Verax Platelet PGD test was first cleared by FDA in 2007 for detecting bacterial contamination in leukoreduced apheresis platelets and in 2009 for use with whole-blood derived platelets. FDA has now cleared the test as a safety measure to check two additional platelet types: pre-storage pool platelets, and apheresis platelets in PAS-C additive solution and plasma. For more information, visit Verax Biomedical.