An Experiment in Saving Lives

The Washington Post ^ | March 23, 2004 | Rob Stein

[neverdem]

Emergency Patients Unwittingly Get Artificial Blood

Paramedics in five U.S. cities have started infusing experimental artificial blood into victims of car crashes, shootings and other life-threatening emergencies without first getting their consent, as most research projects require.

Ambulances and medical helicopters racing to bring hemorrhaging patients to more than a dozen other hospitals around the country, including possibly two in Virginia, will eventually join the test of the synthetic oxygen-carrying liquid, called PolyHeme.

Supporters say the study is the only means to prove that the pouches of red fluid offer one of the longest-sought tools in medicine -- a way to prevent people from bleeding to death before they get to the emergency room.

Critics, however, say the work is unnecessary and violates a fundamental ethical tenet of scientific research that protects people from becoming medical guinea pigs against their wishes.

[Coldwater Creek]

But, what would happen to you if you have O neg. and you had already had ONE emergency transfusion of a cross type.

Hopefully, this experiment will work out for the good in saving lives.

[neverdem]

But, what would happen to you if you have O neg. and you had already had ONE emergency transfusion of a cross type.

Say your prayers. Get the largest advisable dose of intravenous corticosteroid, e.g. solumedrol, have available intravenous epinephrine and diphenhydramine hydrochloride, i.e. intravenous Benadryl, at the bedside, call for a hematology consult immediately and prepare for the worst transfusion reaction.

Universal blood donor type: Is there such a thing?

What is the universal blood donor type?

Mayo Clinic hematologist Ruben Mesa, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

There is no universal blood donor type. Donated blood is routinely classified by type as A, B, AB or O, and as Rh positive or Rh negative. In the past, people with Type O/Rh negative blood were considered universal blood donors. This implied that anyone, regardless of blood type, could receive Type O/Rh negative blood without risking a transfusion reaction.

But scientists now have a much better understanding of the complex issues related to reactions to incompatible blood donor types. Even donors with Type O/Rh negative blood may have antibodies in their blood that cause serious reactions.

Before a blood transfusion, small samples of the recipient's and donor's blood are mixed to check compatibility. Doctors refer to this as crossmatching. Despite all such precautions, adverse transfusion reactions may still occur.