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Plasticizer concentration in cord blood cryopreserved with DMSO

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 49, pages 157–158 (2014)Cite this article

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Plasticizers like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have been used to increase the elasticity, transparency, durability and stability of the polyvinyl chloride used for blood bags and tubing for five decades.1 DEHP can leach from the polyvinyl chloride, and its toxicity is an issue of concern.2 There have been reports that DEHP, and its derivative mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), could disrupt the endocrine system.3 Although agreement on the effect of DEHP on human health has not been reached, recommendations have been made to avoid exposing some sensitive populations to it, such as pregnant women who are carrying male fetuses, male neonates and peripubertal males.4

In our cord blood bank procedures, we routinely use DMSO, which is known as a solvent, for cryopreservation. Although the final concentration of DMSO is commonly between 5 and 10%, v/v, it is much higher when the cryoprotectant goes through tubing. The DMSO may cause the plasticizer to be released into the cell component.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Japanese Red Cross Central Blood Institute, Tokyo, Japan

    R Yamaguchi, Y Ishii, T Mazda & K Tadokoro

  2. Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan

    M Takanashi, A Ogawa & K Tadokoro

  3. Japanese Red Cross Kanto-Koshinetsu Block Blood Centre, Tokyo, Japan

    M Ito, M Hashimoto, K Nakajima & M Minami

Authors
  1. R Yamaguchi
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  2. M Takanashi
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  3. M Ito
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  4. A Ogawa
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  5. M Hashimoto
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  6. Y Ishii
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  7. T Mazda
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  8. K Tadokoro
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  9. K Nakajima
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  10. M Minami
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M Takanashi.

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Yamaguchi, R., Takanashi, M., Ito, M. et al. Plasticizer concentration in cord blood cryopreserved with DMSO. Bone Marrow Transplant 49, 157–158 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/bmt.2013.135

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