In vitro function and in vivo viability of stored platelet concentrates. Effect of a secondary plasticizer component of PVC storage bags.

Previous studies have shown that CL-2399 (Cutter) and PL-130 (Fenwal) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic bags are unsatisfactory for storage of platelet concentrates (PC) at 22 degrees C. In an effort to explain the effects of plastic bags, the chemical make-up of CL-2399 and PL-130 PVC films was determined and compared with that of P1-146 (Fenwal) PVC, which is satisfactory for PC storage at 22 degrees C. The only significant difference between the three materials was the incorporation of tetrahydrofurfuryl oleate (THFO) as a secondary plasticizer in CL-2399 and PL-130. The response of platelets to aggregating agents, uptake of serotonin, recovery from hyptonic stress, and serotonin release during storage following storage in a modified CL-2399 plastic prepared without THFO and designated CL-3000 (Cutter) was equivalent to PL-146 and far superior to CL-2399. In vivo studies in two laboratories of platelets stored in CL-3000 bags showed satisfactory recovery (56 +/- 4.2% and 46.7 +/- 2.7%) and survival (6.4 +/- 0.4 days and 7.4 +/- 0.6 days). From these studies we conclude that the THFO secondary plasticizer component of PL-130 and CL-2399 is the cause of the poor platelet viability of platelets stored in these plastic bags. The mechanism of impairment is not known. The causative agent(s) may be degradation products of THFO (formed during manufacture of the PVC film) that are leached from the plastic into PC during storage.