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 poststorage antigenic reactivity different from that seen in segments made from DEHP-containing plastic. Serial 1-in-2 dilutions of commercially available antisera were prepared and tested by using stored red cells obtained from segments on Days 0, 28, 42, and, in some instances, 49. Antigenic determinants tested included A, B, D, c, K, Le(a), Fya, Jka, 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 were seen when cells stored in segments made of the test plastic were compared with cells obtained from the same donor and stored for the same length of time in segments made of control plastic. In addition, plasma coagulation factor stability was studied in fresh-frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate stored for up to 1 year in the non-DEHP-plasticized plastic containers. No significant differences were seen in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen content, or factor V, VII, VIII, IX, or X activity as compared with plasma stored for equal periods of time in control plastic containers. It is concluded that the test plastic does not adversely affect red cell antigenic reactivity or plasma coagulation factor stability and that it is suitable for use in clinical transfusion practice.