In vivo and in vitro innocuity tests applied at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion.

The system of testing for toxocity in the authors' laboratories is presented; it includes toxicity tests in rabbits of the sodium citrate and citric acid ingredients of anticoagulant solutions. The necessity of controlling the biological activity of containers, rubber-ware, accessories, etc. applied in infusion and blood preservation practice is stressed. Innocuity tests are performed in vivo, in the course of the production of the plastic materials to be used, from extracts of the ingredients, of intermediary products and of the finished product. The fish test has proved to be a sensitive method for demonstrating biologically harmful degradation products occasionally appearing in extracts of samples taken during the production and subsequent treatment of plastics. As to in vitro testing, experiences with the 51Cr release test and the control of the haemolyzing effect are presented. Testing of silicon tubes and rubber stoppers used in blood preservation and of infusions and anticoagulant solutions as well as the innocuity tests for anti-D immune globulin and other plasma fractions are presented.