Influence of plasticised poly(vinyl chloride) on platelet adhesion and platelet aggregates

The most widely used plasticiser for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is di-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is extracted in contact with blood. One approach to reducing plasticiser extraction is to incorporate the higher molecular weight plasticisers trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM) and polymeric adipate (PA). This investigation has compared the influence of these plasticisers with that of DEHP on platelet adhesion and platelet aggregate formation. PVC tubing was tested in the absence of anticoagulants and in the presence of heparin. Our results demonstrate the influence of plasticisers on platelet response and support the view that evaluation of such plasticisers should be extended from an examination of toxicological properties to a comprehensive blood compatibility assessment.