Particles of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in intravenous infusion fluids migrating from polyvinyl chloride bags.

Abstract

Mechanical measurement of particles in the infusion fluid contained in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bag revealed the presence of a large number of particles and principle of these particles was examined. It was thereby confirmed that the majority of particles in the solution contained in a PVC bag are liquid particles of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) used as a plasticizer for PVC, and these particles adhere to the inner wall of the bag or float in the solution. When the PVC bag is shaken before sampling the fluid, the liquid particles of DEHP are liberated and dispersed as microparticles which are counted as particles by HIAC automatic counter, but not observed on membrane filter under a microscope. Detecting of such a liquid particle, a considerable difference between the results from a mechanical method and that from a microscopic observation was pointed out. [With the progress in modern medicine, a large quantity of i.v. infusion fluids is used for treatment, and the effect of such an infusion on patients, especially the hazardous effect of foreign particulate matter present in infusion fluids, has become a great problem.].