Microplastics in blood bags may damage red blood cells, study finds

A new study in Environment & Health found microplastics shed from blood storage bags may worsen red blood cell damage during storage, with particle concentrations rising 7-20 times over 30 days. The findings suggest blood storage systems could be an underappreciated source of microplastic exposure. Researchers in China directly visualized microplastics in stored red blood cell units using microscopy and analytical chemistry, a technical advance. Concentrations reached up to 22.3 ng/mL, with shaking and room temperature accelerating particle release. Filtering preservation solutions removed 78-85% of microplastics and improved red blood cell integrity. Outside experts caution against overinterpreting results, noting no mechanism was established linking microplastics to cell damage. Storage lesions are driven by aging and oxidative stress, and medical-grade polymers have a proven safety record. Experts say overhauling blood storage materials would be premature, though repeated transfusions warrant attention.