Seeking Alternatives to Transfusions

Overview

The persisting risks associated with the administration of transfusion preparations along withshortage of donor blood exert pressure on search for alternatives. The number of patientsrequiring information on such alternatives is also increasing. The transfusion risks of infectiousdiseases are due to the window period of the performed tests, the spectrum of diseases whichare not tested and to administrative and organizational errors. Development proceeds withclinical tests of the new generation of perfluorocarbons and free haemoglobin solutions, modifiedby genetic methods. In the nineties efforts developed focused on purposeful intensive exchangeof information on an international scale.

Key words:
transfusions - perfluorocarbons - oxygen carriers.