Evaluation of a new, more oxygen-permeable, polyvinylchloride container

A new container made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) with diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) used as the plasticizer was subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluation for prolonged platelet storage. As compared with the original PVC bag, this bag has increased gas permeability by its reduced film thickness, larger surface area (400 ml capacity), and more porous label. The oxygen permeability coefficient, K(O2), of the new container was measured to be 655 nmol per min per atm. On the basis of previous studies relating the K(O2) to the maximal platelet count, it was predicted that this maximal count would be in the range of 7.9 to 8.9 X 10(10) platelets. This prediction was confirmed by carrying out 58 studies measuring pH, pO2, and platelet count on platelet concentrates (PCs) stored for up to 7 days. After 5 days of storage all PCs with counts above 8.0 x 10(10) had pH less than or equal to 7.0, whereas those with counts below 8.0 x 10(10) had pH greater than or equal to 7.0. Six units (10%) with counts above 9.0 X 10(10) had pH levels of 6.5 or below. Thirteen of the PCs underwent extensive in vitro testing of platelet function during 7 days of storage. No significant differences were found in pH, ATP content, and decrease in platelet count, as compared with studies (n = 22) using PCs stored in polyolefin containers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)