In vitro dynamic method for evaluating the hemolytic potential of intravenous solutions

An in vitro dynamic method for evaluating the hemolytic potential of intravenous solutions has been developed. The method utilizes an in vitro flow system that provides a reasonable simulation of blood circulation at sites for intravenous injections. Physical variables such as internal diameter of tubing, flow rate of red blood cell (RBC) suspension and injection rate were found to significantly influence the degree of hemolysis caused by the intravenous injection of solutions. For example, injection of 50% v/v propylene glycol (PG) in 0.9% w/v aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at the rate of 5 mL/30 seconds caused 78.4 percent hemolysis when the flow rate of RBC suspension at the injection site was 12 mL/min. Increasing the flow rate of the RBC suspension at the injection site to 48 mL/min resulted in a decrease in the percent hemolysis (33.5%) caused by the above solution when injected at 5 mL/30 seconds.