Blood surrogate

Blood surrogate refers to substances that mimic and carry out the functions of natural blood in the human body. These substances are often used in medical procedures where blood transfusion is not possible or desirable. Blood surrogates can be divided into two main categories: oxygen carriers and volume expanders.

Oxygen Carriers[edit | edit source]

Oxygen carriers are blood surrogates that are designed to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. They are often used in situations where the patient's natural blood is unable to adequately carry oxygen, such as in cases of severe anemia or blood loss.

There are two main types of oxygen carriers: hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers (PFCs). HBOCs are made from human or animal hemoglobin, while PFCs are synthetic compounds that can carry and release oxygen.

Volume Expanders[edit | edit source]

Volume expanders are blood surrogates that are used to increase the volume of the blood plasma, helping to maintain blood pressure and circulation. They are often used in cases of severe blood loss, such as during surgery or after a major injury.

There are several types of volume expanders, including crystalloid solutions, colloid solutions, and hypertonic solutions. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of volume expander often depends on the specific needs of the patient.

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

Blood surrogates offer several advantages over traditional blood transfusions. They can be stored for longer periods of time, they do not carry the risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases, and they can be used in patients who have rare blood types or who are allergic to certain components of natural blood.

However, blood surrogates also have several disadvantages. They may not carry oxygen as efficiently as natural blood, and they can cause side effects such as hypertension and allergic reactions. In addition, the use of blood surrogates is still a relatively new field, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks.