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Microplastics in blood bags may affect red blood cells

Chemical & Engineering News 2026
special to C&EN Victoria Corless

Summary

Scientists found tiny bits of plastic (microplastics) in bags used to store donated blood, likely coming from the plastic bags themselves, and these particles may affect the health of red blood cells over time. However, researchers caution it's too early to say blood bags need to be redesigned, more studies are needed to understand if this actually poses a risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.

Body Systems

But ‘calling on manufacturers to overhaul blood storage materials would be premature’

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