blood substitutes

Blood substitutes are synthetic or modified substances designed to mimic the functions of natural blood, primarily for transporting oxygen and nutrients in the body. They aim to address blood shortages and reduce the risks associated with blood transfusions, such as infections or allergic reactions. Common types include hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers and perfluorocarbon emulsions. While they can be crucial in emergency medicine or for patients with specific medical conditions, blood substitutes are not yet perfect replacements for whole blood and are typically used in conjunction with, rather than as a replacement for, traditional blood products.