MATERIALS AND METHODS

shown blood had been stored in trimellitate-plasticized bags (P <.001). Whole blood stored in glass bottles showed a similar improvement in in vivo survival when DEHP was added in weekly increments to mimic the accumulation of this plasticizer seen during storage in plastic containers. Survival of packed red cells stored in the presence of DEHP increased by 1 4 % compared with storage in trimellitate-plasticized bags (P <.05). In agreement with previous studies, hemolysis and microvesicle formation were also reduced in the presence of DEHP. These results suggest to that proposed new storage systems lacking DEHP should con- be carefully evaluated to determine whether adequate were post-transfusion survival of RBCs may be achieved. in This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on in its use