Systematic characterisation of microplastics released from disposable medical devices using laser direct infrared spectroscopy

Background Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is widespread, attracting significant attention from both the public and the scientific community. Although several direct and indirect exposure pathways have been investigated, the extent of MP exposure from disposable medical devices remains poorly understood and warrants further research. Results This work indicates that many MPs (10-30 μm) were released during the simulated use of disposable medical devices. Two common medical devices–disposable infusion tubes and blood needles–were selected as the research subjects. Analysis utilizing laser direct infrared (LDIR) revealed that plastic released from infusion tubes primarily consisted of polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethene terephthalate (PET), with an average total number (ATN) of 11.8 particles/mL. MPs released from blood collection needles mainly consisted of polyurethane (PU) and PET, with an ATN of 82.7 particles/mL. For a 0.9% normal saline, the ATN released from the infusion tubes during the stimulating infusion scenario at room temperature (4 h) was approximately 16 particles/mL, primarily consisting of PA, PVC, and PET. Additionally, the release of MPs increased with rising temperatures. Under the same conditions, ATN release from the blood collection needles was approximately 84.4 particles/mL, mainly from PA, PVC, and PU. Significance This implies that MPs can enter the bloodstream directly through infusion tubes and blood collection needles, highlighting the need for greater attention to the risk of patient exposure.