DEHT is a suitable plasticizer option for phthalate-free storage of irradiated red blood cells.

Background And Objectives: Due to increasing concerns about possible endocrine-disrupting properties, the use of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) will be banned in future blood storage. Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) provides sufficient red blood cell (RBC) quality during conventional blood bank storage. It is important that a new plasticizer also maintains acceptable quality during exposure to high cell stress, such as irradiation, which is commonly used to prevent graft-versus-host disease.

Non-phthalate plasticizer DEHT preserves adequate blood component quality during storage in PVC blood bags.

Background And Objectives: Commercial blood bags are predominantly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasticized with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is favourable for storage of red blood cells (RBC). Historically, removal of DEHP from blood bags has been linked to unacceptable haemolysis levels.

A novel protocol for cryopreservation of paediatric red blood cell units allows increased availability of rare blood types.

Background And Objectives: There is a growing concern for shortage in future blood supply, caused by a predicted decrease in eligible blood donors and simultaneous increase in recipients. Cryopreservation of split red blood cell units could increase stock supply by reducing waste of rare blood. This would be particularly useful in paediatric care where very small volumes often are transfused.