Oxygen deprivation, even for several minutes, can result in cell damage, organ dysfunction and, if prolonged, death. Hemoglobin, the native protein responsible for transporting oxygen is normally contained within circulating red blood cells (RBC). An RBC transfusion is the standard therapy for anemia resulting from blood loss or other disorders. Sources of RBCs for transfusions include stored supplies of donated blood (allogeneic blood) or of the recipient’s own pre-donated blood. Healthcare professionals may also use medications that stimulate RBC production if anemia is anticipated, for example, in the case of planned surgery.
Unfortunately, there are frequently shortages of blood due to its limited shelf life. Also Depending on how long it has been stored, donated blood can take several hours after infusion to reach normal oxygen-carrying capacity. Recently, donor screening and blood testing procedures have improved in response to concerns about the transmission of immunodeficiency (HIV) and Hepatitis viruses. However, residual risks remain, not only for the transmission of known infectious viral pathogens, but also for emerging pathogens. Shortages can become severe during crisis.
Not all medical facilities have blood banks and must coordinate their blood needs with large centers. Donating your own blood requires multiple trips to the hospital and is even more expensive than allogeneic blood. Many patients refuse blood transfusions on religious grounds, are alloimmunized, or simply prefer to avoid allogenic blood transfusions, and as the population ages, the need for blood-intensive surgical procedures will increase sharply.
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