Packaging of intravenous solutions

Until recently, polypropylene was not used extensively in the packaging of intravenous (i.v.) solutions. Despite the excellent moisture-barrier properties and the high purity level of polypropylene, the prevailing i.v.-solution packaging concepts are based on plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), glass, and polyethylene. In the light of an article that appeared in the March/April issue of Medical Device Technology, in which Wilhelm Striepe justifies the use of PVC in the manufacture of medical products, this article looks at alternatives to PVC for the packaging of i.v. solutions.