Blood donations and blood component donations can be essential for survival. However, it is highly dependent on finding enough donors on a regular basis. For many years, attempts have also been made to produce blood components or blood in the laboratory. As for red blood cells, it now appears to have been successful.
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) supply oxygen to the body and carry carbon dioxide out of the body. Erythrocyte concentrates are used, among other things, in cases of sudden bleeding, during surgery or in the case of anemia, and are therefore often needed. Until now, classic blood donations have been used for this purpose.
British researchers have now obtained stem cells from blood cells and grown red blood cells from them reports the BBC. These were then given to two people: the amount amounted to one or two teaspoons of artificial blood. According to the research team, there were no unwanted side effects. The two patients were obviously closely monitored from a medical point of view.
If this application is effective and harmless, artificial blood could be used mainly by people who need a regular supply of red blood cells due to an illness. This is especially important for those blood groups where, due to their rarity, it can be difficult to have enough donations in stock.
advantages and limitations
“We hope our lab-grown red blood cells will last longer than those obtained from blood donors. If our study is successful, it means that patients who currently need regular blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in the future. which will improve their care will help, “says Cedric Ghevaert, professor of transfusion medicine at Cambridge.
However, traditional blood donations will continue to be necessary, as this is the only way to ensure adequate care for those affected. Although the research may record further successes here.
