Classification
The development of a “perfect” blood substitute has been going on for many years. It is hoped that such a product would have certain advantages over human red cells, including rapid and widespread availability, fewer requirements with regard to storage, transport, and compatibility testing, a longer shelf life, and a more consistent supply. An ideal substitute would be less antigenic than allogenic red cells, and would have less risk of disease transmission.
Two main types of blood substitutes are in development: haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOCs) and perfluorocarbon emulsions.
Read more about this topic: Haemoglobin-based Oxygen Carriers