The procedures needed to reduce transfusion-associated adverse effects, especially those related to transfusion-transmitted diseases and leukocyte-mediated alloimmunization, have a great impact on the production cost of blood components. Additionally, blood transfusion has increased worldwide making the need for a safe substitute for blood evident. These products have been named artificial blood or blood substitutes. Based on the fact that their focus has been oxygen delivery to tissues, "free oxygen carrying cells" is more appropriate. Two major groups of free oxygen carring cells have been tested: modified hemoglobin solutions (bovine or human) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Even though not without adverse effects, extensive clinical trials are being conducted to test their safety and efficacy. The understanding of free oxygen carrying cell mechanisms has made testing of a new generation of these products for other applications possible thereby expanding transfusion medicine frontiers.
Artificial blood; transfusion; perfluorcarbon; hemoglobin; blood substitutes
