Artificial Blood
Experts are trying to create artificial blood or blood replacements. Blood replacements being
studied include oxygen-carrying chemicals (such as perfluorocarbon emulsions)
and cell-free
—the portion of the red blood cell that
carries oxygen. There are several advantages to blood replacements.
- Blood replacement products can be stored for
long periods of time. Human blood must be used within a few weeks of being
donated.
- Blood replacement products can be stored at room
temperature. Human blood must be kept refrigerated until
used.
- There is no risk of a
transfusion reaction caused by mismatched blood
type.
- Blood replacement products can be sterilized, eliminating the
risk for infection.
The blood replacement products being tested still have
problems. For example, blood replacement products can interfere with blood
tests, are more quickly removed from the body, and are less efficient oxygen
carriers.
Several of these products are being developed. But their
use, after they are approved, will probably be limited to emergencies involving
severe blood loss caused by serious accidents.