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Systematic characterisation of microplastics released from disposable medical devices using laser direct infrared

Chuanfeng Chen1, Shanshan Du1, Ziyan Liu1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, MOE, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.

Analytica Chimica Acta
|April 24, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Disposable medical devices release microplastics (MPs) into the body. Infusion tubes and blood needles were found to release MPs, posing a potential risk to patients. Further research is needed to understand MP exposure from these devices.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Materials Science
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern.
  • Understanding MP exposure from disposable medical devices is crucial.
  • Current research on MP release from medical devices is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate microplastic release from common disposable medical devices.
  • To quantify microplastic contamination in simulated medical procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microplastic release from disposable infusion tubes and blood needles.
  • Utilized laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy for identification and quantification.
  • Simulated medical scenarios including infusion of normal saline at room temperature and elevated temperatures.

Main Results:

  • Disposable medical devices, specifically infusion tubes and blood needles, release significant numbers of microplastics (MPs).
  • Infusion tubes released MPs primarily composed of polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethene terephthalate (PET) (average total number (ATN) 11.8 particles/mL).
  • Blood collection needles released MPs mainly consisting of polyurethane (PU) and PET (ATN 82.7 particles/mL).
  • MP release increased with rising temperatures.
  • Under simulated infusion conditions, ATN release was approximately 16 particles/mL for infusion tubes and 84.4 particles/mL for blood needles.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics can directly enter the bloodstream via disposable infusion tubes and blood collection needles.
  • This study highlights a previously underestimated route of patient exposure to microplastics.
  • Increased attention is required regarding the risk of microplastic exposure to patients through medical devices.
Keywords:
Blood needlesDisposable infusion tubesLaser direct infrared (LDIR)Microplastics

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