Another Try at Artificial Blood

kpogoda writes "There are some Swedish scientists that have successfully produced a powdered form of blood that can be used to treat patients. Although it is not ready for transfusions yet it is a major breakthrough in a much needed arena."

Hmmm

[Anonymous Coward]

Artifical blood made from...blood!

So, can it be used in tranfusions, or not?

[anactofgod]

I'm not a doctor (but I play one on TV), and I'm confused by a seeming contradiction in the article.

One paragraph states "The product is a powder made from blood that has been stored for more than six weeks and can not be used for transfusion." Later in the article, the following statement is made "The powder can be mixed into liquid when required, and transfused into patients regardless of their blood type."

Was the intent of the first statement to indicate that Hemospan is necessary, but not sufficient, in that it lacks the functionality of the platelets and plasma?

---anactofgod---