Vitamin A Absorption From Plastic IV Bags

To the Editor.— The LETTER TO THE EDITOR by Chiou and Moorhatch (223:328, 1973) regarding the apparent sorption of polysorbate 80 solubilized vitamin A acetate in polyvinyl chloride parenteral containers was read with great interest. It was noted that the study design was not representative of usual parenteral administration practices. In order to assess the extent of this sorption phenomenon under simulated use conditions, liter polyvinyl chloride (Viaflex PL-146) and rubberstoppered glass infusion containers were filled with vitamin A acetate solubilized in 0.01% polysorbate 80. The concentration of vitamin A utilized was 10 units/ml of solution thus yielding the frequently administered concentration of 10,000 units/liter. Typical polyvinyl chloride administration sets were attached to the containers, and the containers were wrapped in aluminum foil to protect the photosensitive vitamin from light. Drip rates were monitored and controlled at 100 ml/hour to deliver the total volume in ten hours. Aliquots were periodically