The in vitro and in vivo evaluation of whole blood and red cell concentrates drawn on CPDA-1 and stored in a non-DEHP plasticized PVC container.

A new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blood storage container, PL 2209, plasticized with butyryl-n-trihexyl-citrate (BTHC) instead of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was used for in vitro and in vivo studies. Whole blood and red cell concentrates drawn on CPDA-1 were stored 42 days at 1-6 degrees C. Various biochemical parameters were tested and compared to those values seen in the literature for products stored in DEHP-plasticized containers. Measurements of lactate production, glucose consumption, sodium and potassium ions for both whole blood and red cells were compatible with published data. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) values were on the average 73% for the red cell units and 80% for the whole blood units after 35 days storage. Hemolysis was 0.43% for the red cell concentrate and 0.38% for the whole blood units after the same storage period. Autologous recovery studies after 35 days of storage for both the whole blood units and red cell concentrate gave 80% recovery 24 h after reinjection. From these data it can be concluded that PL 2209 BTHC-plasticized PVC blood storage containers allow 35 days storage of blood draw on CPDA-1 and can be considered as an alternative to DEHP-plasticized PVC containers.