Effects of plasticizers on red blood cells and platelets during storage

Abstract

The introduction of plastic bags into routine use in Blood Banks began a revolution in how human blood and blood components were prepared, stored and used.

The plastic film is not inert, however, and plasticizers added to increase flexibility of the bags can be extracted into the stored components. In this report, the characteristics of this extraction, and the effect of exposure to the extracted material on the components in storage, is reviewed and discussed.

Particular emphasis is placed on the organic compound, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which can constitute up to 40% of the weight of classic PVC films. DEHP has been shown to interact both with erythrocytes, where the interaction aids in preservation of erythrocyte integrity, and with platelets, where the interaction has been shown to be deleterious to maintenance of platelet function.

The advantages and disadvantages of plastics formulated without DEHP are also presented and evaluated.