In a recent study published in Environment & Health, researchers from China investigated how microplastics are released from medical storage bags into the blood and preservation fluids used for transfusions.

They found PVC microplastics not only in blood-preservation fluids but also in stored blood samples, with microscopy showing that some particles attached to red blood cells. Their levels rose substantially during storage, increasing by roughly seven- to 20-fold over 30 days compared with freshly opened blood bags in the tested systems.

Storage conditions also played a role in the amount of plastic being shed. Microplastic levels increased with higher storage temperatures, and the bags were shaken to simulate transportation.

Tracing the microplastic path

Microplastics do not belong anywhere on this planet, but they have made their way to every corner of Earth. There is growing evidence that these microscopic plastic particles have invaded many tissues and organs throughout the human body, including the lungs, liver, placenta, blood and blood vessels.

Studies have already documented that microplastics leach from everyday disposable medical gear, including IV infusion sets, syringes, IV bags and even the tubing used in kidney dialysis. For instance, IV infusion bags alone can shed up to 5,455 plastic particles into every liter of fluid.