What can IV bags be made of?
A closer look at DEHP and PVC in intravenous (IV) bags
When it comes to parenteral nutrition (PN), the focus is rightly on what’s inside the bag—the nutrients that sustain patients who can’t meet their needs through food alone. But what’s containing these nutrients matters, too.
For decades, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been used to manufacture medical devices, IV bags, and tubing because it’s clear, strong, and flexible. To achieve that flexibility, PVC is commonly combined with plasticizers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).1
PVC used in medical devices often contains 30–40% DEHP by weight, and tubing can contain even higher concentrations.1
Although these materials have long supported modern medical practice, research suggests they may introduce considerations that go beyond function and convenience.
Understanding DEHP and PVC
DEHP isn’t chemically bound to PVC, which means it can migrate into the solutions it contains. In the clinical setting, that can result in measurable patient exposure—sometimes at levels significantly higher than those found in the general population.1
A critical review published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reported that DEHP and its metabolites have been associated in animal studies with effects on the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. Developing infants and newborns appear especially sensitive to exposure during key periods of growth and development.1
While direct evidence in humans is limited, these findings have led many health authorities and hospitals to reassess the use of DEHP-containing PVC medical devices.1
Beyond the bedside
The conversation around PVC extends beyond patient exposure. Its full life cycle—from production to disposal—can generate environmental byproducts, including dioxins and vinyl chloride, that raise additional concerns. As sustainability goals become part of healthcare decision-making, demand for DEHP- and PVC-free alternatives continues to grow across systems and suppliers alike.1
A closer look at materials
Awareness of material composition is now part of broader patient-safety and sustainability efforts. For clinicians and pharmacists, that means evaluating not just what’s in a PN bag—but what the bag itself is made of.
To learn more about the materials and design considerations behind our IV and PN containers, visit this resource on innovative bag technology.
For more on clinical nutrition products available in containers not made with DEHP or PVC, visit FreseniusKabiNutrition.com.