STABILITY OF RED-CELL ANTIGENS AND PLASMA COAGULATION-FACTORS STORED IN A NON-DIETHYLHEXYL PHTHALATE-PLASTICIZED CONTAINER

Red cell antigen stability studies were performed to evaluate whether the storage of red cells in plastic segments made up of a new non-di-2 (ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-plasticized material resulted in poststor age antigenic reactivity different from that seen in segments made fro m DEHP-containing plastic. Serial 1-in-2 dilutions of commercially ava ilable antisera were prepared and tested by using stored red cells obt ained from segments on Days 0, 28, 42, and, in some instances, 49. Ant igenic determinants tested included A, B, D, c, K, Le(a), Fy(a), Jk(a) , M, and P1. To minimize variability, the same reagent lots were used throughout each study, and the same technologists performed the assays in each laboratory. No significant differences in titration scores we re seen when cells stored in segments made of the test plastic were co mpared with cells obtained from the same donor and stored for the same length of time in segments made of control plastic. In addition, plas ma coagulation factor stability was studied in fresh-frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate stored for up to 1 year in the non-DEHP-plasticized p lastic containers. No significant differences were seen in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen content, or f actor V, VII, VIII, IX, or X activity as compared with plasma stored f or equal periods of time in control plastic containers. It is conclude d that the test plastic does not adversely affect red cell antigenic r eactivity or plasma coagulation factor stability and that it is suitab le for use in clinical transfusion practice.