October 2015 marks the beginning of a new phase in the global development of PVC-free medical equipment, as European partners introduced the first PVC-free blood bags at a number of hospitals in Sweden. While the current prototype has been tested using water, it is now being evaluated for blood donations after informed consent at Karolinska University Hospital. Spearheaded by the PVCfreeBloodBag Project, this cooperative effort aims to create a high quality product and also increase demand throughout the European healthcare industry.

There has been a big push to get flexible PVC (vinyl) out of medical equipment such as IV bags, disposable gloves, and curtains. Dioxin, a known human carcinogen, can be a byproduct of PVC production and incineration. Phthalates, chemicals used to soften PVC, have been shown to cause birth defects and other illnesses. The Healthier Hospital Initiative provides lists in some product categories for safer alternatives to commonly used products.

[Source: PVCfreeBloodBag]