The Accumulation of Mono‐2‐Ethylhexylphthalate (MEHP) During Storage of Whole Blood and Plasma

Abstract
The accumulation of the plasticizer di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in blood and blood components has been of considerable [toxicity] concern for some time. The accumulation of DEHP and one of its major metabolites, MEHP was studied during storage of whole blood, platelet-rich palsma, platelet concentrates and platelet-poor plasma for periods from 72 h to 4 wk. Both phthalates showed a progressive increase in concentration with time. While the levels of DEHP were much greater than those of MEHP, there was nonetheless a significant and continual increase in MEHP in all preparations. The highest concentrations of DEHP and MEHP were in the platelet-poor plasma, indicating that platelets do not have a major role in the accumulation of MEHP was a direct result of the metabolism of DEHP by plasma protein(s) rather than leaching from the blood bag.