Production Of Blood Components Research Articles

Routine results of an algorithm for managing the production of blood components.

The variability in the number of donations together with a growing demand for platelet concentrates and plasma-derived medicines make us seek solutions aimed at optimizing the processing of blood. Some mathematical models to improve efficiencies in blood banking have been published. The goal of this work is to validate and evaluate an algorithm's impact in the production of blood components in the Blood and Tissues Bank of Aragon (BTBA). A mathematical algorithm was designed, implemented and validated through simulations with real data. It was incorporated into the fractionation area, which uses the Reveos® fractionation system (Terumo BCT) to split blood into its components. After 9 months of daily routine validation, retrospective activity data from the Blood Bank and Transfusion Services before and during the use of the algorithm were compared. Using the algorithm, the outdating rate of platelet concentrates (PC) decreased by 87.8% in the blood bank. The average shelf life remaining of PC supplied to Transfusion Services increased by almost 1 day. As a consequence, the outdating rate in the Aragon Transfusion Network decreased by 33%. In addition, extra 100 litres of plasma were obtained in 9 months. The algorithm improves the blood establishment's workflow and facilitates the decision-making process in whole blood processing. It resulted in a decrease in PC outdating rate, increase in PC shelf life and finally an increase in the volume of recovered plasma, leading to significant cost savings.

Growth and Distribution of Bacteria in Contaminated Whole Blood and Derived Blood Components

Introduction: Bacterial contamination of blood products presumably occurs mainly during blood collection, starting from low initial concentrations of 10–100 colony-forming units (CFUs) per bag. As little is known about bacterial growth behavior and distribution in stored whole blood (WB) and WB-derived blood products, this study aims to provide data on this subject. Methods: WB units were inoculated with transfusion-relevant bacterial species (Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica; n = 12 for each species), stored for 22–24 h at room temperature, and then centrifuged for separation into plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and buffy coats (BCs). The latter were pooled with 3 random donor BCs and one unit of PAS-E each to yield plasma-reduced platelet concentrates (PCs). Samples for bacterial colony counting were collected after WB storage and immediately after blood component production. Sterility testing in PCs (n = 12 for each species) was performed by bacterial culture after 7 days of storage. Results: Bacterial growth in WB varied remarkably between donations and species. Streptococcus species produced the highest titers in WB, whereas Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas fluorescens did not multiply. Centrifugation resulted in preferential accumulation of bacteria in BCs, with titers of up to 3.5 × 103 CFU/mL in BCs and up to ≤0.9 × 103 CFU/mL in BC-derived PCs. Overall, 72/144 PCs (50%) tested positive for bacteria after storage. Sterility test results were species-dependent, ranging from 12 of 12 PCs tested positive for Streptococcus pyogenes to 1 of 12 PCs positive for Escherichia coli. Bacterial contamination of RBC and plasma units was much less common and was associated with higher initial bacterial counts in the parent WB units. Conclusions: Bacterial growth in WB is species-dependent and varies greatly between donations. Preferential accumulation of bacteria in BCs during manufacturing is a critical determinant of the contamination risk of BC-derived pooled PCs.

Simulation- optimisation approach to support management of blood components inventory

ABSTRACT Blood supply chains (BSCs) face challenges in managing the production and inventory of blood components. We developed a simulation-optimisation approach to address inventory of blood products in blood supply chains. This approach can determine inventory size and replenishment points for blood products that balances supply and demand, while maintaining acceptable levels of wastage and shortage. A simulation methodology is used to represent the complexities in the inventory management of blood components. An optimisation module, coupled with the simulation, is used to address constraints related to waste, shortages, and inventory levels. The approach was verified and validated using a case study conducted in a blood bank in Brazil managing a supply of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The approach proved to be suitable for the case analyzed and results suggest that 120 units is adequate to meet the demand for RBCs, while maintaining acceptable levels of shortages and wastages.

Treatments for Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is a common and potentially life-threatening coagulopathy as a result of traumatic injury, characterized by abnormal blood clotting and bleeding. Although several treatments have been proposed for TIC, their effectiveness and safety remain unclear. Further, numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses on trauma have been conducted; however, to our knowledge, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis that specifically focuses on TIC management. Therefore, a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on interventions for TIC is needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of interventions for the management of TIC. We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials as well as observational studies regarding severe trauma in patients with TIC. The interventions will include administration of coagulation factor concentrates, tranexamic acid, and blood component products. The control group will be managed with an ordinal transfusion or administered placebo. The primary outcome will be in-hospital mortality. We will search the electronic databases of MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts, retrieve the full text of the selected articles, and extract essential data. We will apply uniform criteria for evaluating the risk of bias associated with individual randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized trials based on the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Risk ratio values will be expressed as point estimates with 95% CIs. Continuous variables will be expressed as the mean difference along with their 95% CIs and P values. We will assess the strength of evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. This review will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis providing information on the effectiveness and safety of interventions for the management of TIC, including the administration of coagulation factor concentrates, tranexamic acid, and blood component products. Ethics approval and patient consent were not required for this study protocol, as we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of publicly available data, without any direct involvement of human participants. We will summarize the selection of the eligible studies using a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart. The results will be presented in a table summarizing the evidence. The results of the meta-analysis will be depicted using figures and forest plots. This systematic review will provide updated information on the efficacy and safety of using coagulation factor concentrates, tranexamic acid, and blood component products for patients with TIC. To our knowledge, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis that specifically focuses on treatments for TIC. UMIN registry UMIN000050170; https://tinyurl.com/yr8pcrj6. DERR1-10.2196/49582.

Produksi Komponen Darah Packed-Red Cell (PRC), Liquid Plasma (LP), Thombocytes Concentrates (TC) dan Fresh-Frozen-Plasma (FFP) di UDD PMI Kabupaten Bojonegoro

The processing of blood components is an act of separating the components of donor blood through a process by taking into account the quality and safety of blood component products. Its process produce various type of blood component, such as Packed Red Cell, Liquid Plasma, Thrombocytes Concentrate and Fresh Frozen Plasma. The quantity of each blood production depends on the mount of demant from hospital to threat the patient for transfusion. Indonesia Red Cross especially in Blood Donor Unit of each region have a important duty to collect and process the whole blood component as much as it needed. This type of research is a descriptive study with a cross sectional approach. The population used was the production of PRC, LP, TC and FFP Â at UDD PMI Bojonegoro from June to July 2022 as many as 2124 kolf. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. Data analysis using univariate analysis which is presented in the form of a frequency distribution table and ghraphic for daily production. Production of blood components as much as 2124 kolf, Production of PRC as 984 kolf (46%), LP as 904 kolf (43%0, TC as 200 kolf (9%), and FFP as 36 kolf (2%). The highest blood component production is PRC, followed by LP, TC and FFP, respectfully. Â

Microbiological environmental contamination in the blood supply chain: An international survey by the bacterial subgroup of the ISBT Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party.

Blood transfusion centres ensure the quality and safety of transfusable blood components. However, septic transfusion reactions involving environmental contaminants occur. An international survey issued by the ISBT Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party (ISBT-TTID-WP) Bacterial Subgroup aimed to collect information regarding microbiological environmental monitoring from transfusion services. A Form survey (English and Spanish) with 35 questions was sent to ISBT-TTID-WP members. The survey had four sections: (1) respondent personal information, (2) cleaning/disinfection practices during blood component manufacturing, (3) cleaning/disinfection practices during blood component storage and (4) blood component storage bag integrity. Respondents completed the survey electronically, and data were comparatively analysed using Microsoft Excel. There were 49 responses from 20 countries. Five of 49 sites manufacture blood components in a cleanroom, and most use personal protective equipment, although the type varied between sites. Approximately 40% of sites perform environmental monitoring during blood component production, with seven sites providing details about frequency and methods. Most (~94%) centres have procedures for cleaning/disinfection of processing and storage facilities with varying responses regarding areas, frequency and methods. Inconsistency was reported regarding the orientation of platelet component incubation (portrait vs. landscape). Over 93% of sites assess storage bag integrity and report damage to manufacturers, and 49% of centres report septic transfusion reactions potentially linked to damaged storage containers. Data from this survey highlight the need for consensual guidelines for transfusion services regarding cleaning and disinfection practices. Environmental monitoring could be adopted to minimize the risk of blood component contamination for transfusion patient safety.

Characteristics and trends in the work of the Blood Service of the Russian Federation in 2016–2020

Introduction. Ensuring a sustainable supply of safe donor blood is crucial for strategic issues and challenges. The evaluation of donor characteristics as well as the volume of components harvested and issued to medical organizations in the Russian Federation is a topical task for the national blood service.Aim — to analyze the performance indicators of the national blood service for the procurement and provision of donated blood and its components to medical organizations from 2016–2020.Methods. Data on over 6.5 million donors who donated blood in Russia during 2016–2020 were analyzed. Data were obtained from Blood Service report form No. 39 “Blood products and derivatives”. Descriptive statistics were used during analysis.Results. A decrease of the number of blood donors per thousand population was shown (from 9.68 to 8.26, р < 0.0001). There was a decrease of the number of first-time donors and of the number of repeat donors (by 23 and 9.3 %, respectively) within studied period. Regular donor quantum increased from 71 to 76 %. The share of volunteer blood donors from 2016 to 2020 throughout the Russian Federation remained stable and amounted to 97.7–98.0 %. The total number of donations decreased by 6.0 % due to a significant decrease in the number of donations of automatic apheresis plasma (from 507,396 in 2016 to 388,742 in 2020, p < 0.001), at the same time, a significant increase in the number of donations platelets was noted (from 83,285 donations in 2016 to 126,574 in 2020, p < 0.001). During the follow-up period, there was an increase from 2.0 in 2016 to 2.21 in 2020 (10 %) in the average number of donations of blood components made by donors per year. Despite the decrease in the total number of donations in the analyzed period, the volume of blood components transferred for clinical use increased. The largest increase in blood components transferred at the request of medical organizations was noted for the concentrate of donor platelets (from 702,732 units in 2016 to 1,072,830 in 2020, by 34.5 %) and erythrocyte- containing blood components (from 491,791 liters in 2016 to 555,909 liters in 2020, by 13.5 %). A general trend was noted both towards a decrease in the frequency of detection of markers of bloodborne infections (from 16.8 to 7.7 %), and in individual infections. When analyzing the frequency of detection of infection markers, a significant difference was obtained in the group of newly registered and repeated donors (50,114 and 25,814, р < 0,001).Conclusion. The decrease of the number of cases of detection of infection markers and the redistribution of blood collection in accordance with the changing demands of medical organizations demonstrates a targeted strategy for improving the safety of transfusions, improving the quality of recruiting activities, and improving the principles of lean production of blood components.

Knowledge of blood transfusion practices among medical students and residents.

A study was conducted to assess and compare the knowledge of blood transfusion practices among medical students and residents in Lebanese and Saudi medical institutions. The online survey consisted of 26 questions: 4 about personal data and experience with transfusion and 22 about knowledge on transfusion practices in the areas of blood donation and donor selection, production and storage of blood components, selection of appropriate blood components, administration of blood components, transfusion reactions, and complications. One hundred and twenty-six students from Saudi Arabia, 84 students from Lebanon, 31 residents from Saudi Arabia, and 23 residents from Lebanon participated in the survey. There were no significant differences between students' and residents' levels of knowledge. Similarly, there was no difference between the students' level of knowledge in the two countries. The correct responses (48% and 46%, for students and residents, respectively) were below the acceptable limit of 60% for both groups. This reflects the need for more vigorous and well-structured education and training for both students and residents.

Retraction Note: Monitoring of production of blood components by attribute control chart under indeterminacy

Retraction Note: Monitoring of production of blood components by attribute control chart under indeterminacy

Impact of COVID-19 on the efficacy of meeting the transfusion demand by a Brazilian blood banks network

One of the effects of the pandemic in the hemotherapy services was the reduction in the attendance of blood donors and production of blood components. It is relevant to investigate how the capacity to meet the demand for blood components was affected, especially in blood centers located in the regions most affected by the pandemic, such as Brazil. This study aimed to describe the impact of the pandemic on the capacity to meet the demand for different types of blood components by a Brazilian blood center in 2020, compared to the historical series of 2016–2019 and to discuss the measures adopted to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out with comparative analysis of the blood components requested and attended in the period from 2016 to 2020. Data analysis was performed by Graphpad Prism 5. The spread of COVID-19 cases since March 2020 had impact on the blood components production and transfusions. The reduction in the production of blood components was observed prior to the restriction measures, in March 2020. In comparison to 2016–2019, there was a reduction in the number of transfusions performed in all months of 2020. The results suggest that the measures adopted in a Brazilian blood center to face the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reasonable regularity in the supply of blood components. The sharing of experiences between blood banks in different regions, social and epidemiological contexts can contribute to the improvement of strategies to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in transfusion medicine.

Changes in the incidence of transfusion reactions in hematological patients over the past 30 years.

Patients with hematological diseases are polytransfused and often immunocompromised, therefore susceptible to transfusion reactions (TR). This study aims to document the incidence of TRs in adult hematological patients and assess the effect of changes in the production of blood components and transfusion practice on their occurrence. Retrospective observational analysis of TRs reported from 1993 to 2019 was performed. For the analysis of the effect of changes on the incidence of TRs, the evaluated time was divided into two periods: the 1st period before the introduction of changes in production, when leukoreduced blood components were used only selectively, and the 2nd period, when semi-automated method of production and universal leukoreduction was introduced. The decrease in the incidence of TRs was observed for both red blood cell (RBC) and platelet concentrate (PC) transfusions in the 2nd period. Since platelet additive solution has been used, a further decrease in the incidence was reported. The decrease in incidence was also observed for delayed hemolytic/serological transfusion reactions and for transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections. Four cases of incorrect blood transfusions were uniquely related to the hematological patients, caused by antigen loss and transfusion ordering after ABO-incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Our results provided evidence that the introduction of tools offered by modern transfusion medicine: universal leukodepletion, plasma replacement with additive solutions, sensitive laboratory techniques, prophylactic antigen matching policy, informatization, and automatization, decreased the incidence of TRs and improved transfusion safety.

Perbedaan PERBEDAAN NILAI LEKOSIT ANTARA KOMPONEN DARAH PACKED RED CELLS (PRC) DAN PACKED RED CELLS LEUCODEPLETED (PRC-LD) DI UTD PMI KOTA SURABAYA TAHUN 2019


 Abstract
 This leukodepleted PRC (PRC-LD) is considered capable of preventing reactions related to blood transfusions because it contains only a small number of leukocytes. The blood component of PRC-LD has also been shown to prevent or reduce transfusion reactions. Leukodepleted is a procedure to reduce the number of leukocytes in the blood or blood components to be transfused to a minimum of <1x106 leukocytes/unit (European standard) or reduce the number of leukocytes >99%. The purpose of this study was to see the difference in leukocyte values ​​in the PRC and PRC-LD components. The method used is analytic, namely research that aims to determine the relationship between variables within the scope of the laboratory. The method used is a comparative study. This study used 30 samples of PRC products and 30 samples of Leucodepleted PRC products at UTD PMI Surabaya City with 450 cc bags. The study was conducted in October - December 2019. The result was that the leukocyte value in the PRC blood component contained blood quality that did not meet the specifications as many as 30 bags (100%) had leukocyte levels >1x106 per bag. Meanwhile, the blood component of PRC-LD contains blood quality that meets the specifications as many as 30 bags (100%), having leukocyte levels <1x106 per bag. Conclusion The quality of PRC Leukodepleted blood component products, the quality of leukocyte levels that meet the specifications, there are 30 blood bags (100%).
 Keywords: Packed Red Cells Leukodepleted

A blood component production–inventory problem with preparation method combination and ABO compatibility

We consider the component dependence resulting from each preparation method consistently outputting a particular component combination in the integrated blood component production–inventory problem in a blood center. We first formulate a Markov decision process that comprehensively considers the alternative preparation methods, ABO compatibility, varying age-based inventories, stochastic supply of whole blood, and stochastic demand for components. Then, an approximate dynamic programming algorithm with the interval–adaptive and myopic-learning acceleration approaches is proposed to solve the problem. It performs well in the improvements of both the precision and learning speed. The numerical study displays the sophisticated optimal inventory levels and issuance policies of the blood components. We show that an integrated, operational production-inventory modeling is more capable of dealing with the interaction among the dependent outputs and their differentiated compatibilities and perishabilities. Moreover, the different substitution strategies (i.e., push and pull) are verified to provide similar overall supply levels while causing slight differences in other aspects. Further suggestions for specific components are also provided.

Methods of preserving platelets: cryopreservation as a reasonable option for its implementation in Argentina

Platelets are one of the most widely used blood components in transfusion medicine, given their importance in the prevention of bleeding disorders in patients with multifactorial thrombocytopenia and Asian non-immunological etiology, as well as in the management of traumatic or blood-related surgical treatments. Given its extensive use and the constant demand for it to be used within the different procedures associated with medicine, it is the objective of both hemotherapy services and blood banks to ensure that blood product components are constantly available to meet such requirements. The main challenge with this resource is its short useful life (5–7 days) which limits its availability, especially in the Latin American context where the production of blood components as well as the resources allocated for this purpose by state entities to blood banks, are generally limited. Cryopreservation at –80°C using dimethylsulfoxide as a preservative solution is a technique used since the 1950s to prolong platelet survival, the improvement of which has been remarkable in recent years, thereby constituting an alternative solution to this problem.

Current Understanding of the Relationship between Blood Donor Variability and Blood Component Quality.

While differences among donors has long challenged meeting quality standards for the production of blood components for transfusion, only recently has the molecular basis for many of these differences become understood. This review article will examine our current understanding of the molecular differences that impact the quality of red blood cells (RBC), platelets, and plasma components. Factors affecting RBC quality include cytoskeletal elements and membrane proteins associated with the oxidative response as well as known enzyme polymorphisms and hemoglobin variants. Donor age and health status may also be important. Platelet quality is impacted by variables that are less well understood, but that include platelet storage sensitive metabolic parameters, responsiveness to agonists accumulating in storage containers and factors affecting the maintenance of pH. An increased understanding of these variables can be used to improve the quality of blood components for transfusion by using donor management algorithms based on a donors individual molecular and genetic profile.

Monitoring of production of blood components by attribute control chart under indeterminacy

The existing control chart for monitoring the blood components by attribute is designed using classical statistics. The existing attribute control chart can be applied only when the experimenter is sure about the proportion of defective or all the observations in the sample are determined. In this paper, new attribute control charts for monitoring the blood components under the neutrosophic statistics will be presented. The design of the proposed control chart is given under the neutrosophic statistical interval method. The applications of these control charts demonstrate that the proposed control charts are quite effective, adequate, flexible, and informative for monitoring the blood components under uncertain environment.

COVID-19 pandemisinin Türkiye'deki kan kaynak ve ihtiyacı üzerine etkisi

INTRODUCTION: Coronovirus disease(COVID-19)rapidly spread worldwide after its first report in December 2019,in China.This spread drastically reduced the number of blood donations,thereby creating a shortage at blood banks in the whole world.Turkish Red Crescent(TRC) is the only legal authority that organizes collection,production,storage and distribution of blood and blood components in Turkey.Only in case of emergencyTRC gives permanent permission to hospitals;for collecting blood and producing its components through their own transfusion centers.This report describes how theCOVID-19 impacted blood supplies ofTRC and hospital demands in Turkey with an aim to improve the management of blood supply and demand during theCOVID-19 and future pandemics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of nine months;from November 1,2019 to July 31,2020.Data were retrospectively obtained from donor attendance and blood inventory records ofTRC and included;1)the number of donated units of apheresis platelet concentrates(APC) and blood toTRC,2)the number of units ofAPC and erythrocyte suspensions(ES) supplied by the hospitals themselves,3)the number of units of APC andES supplied to hospitals by TRC(APCHandESH).The periods before(first period) and after(third period)arrival of COVID-19 to Turkey are compared. RESULTS: An increase of 52%in the number of APCdonations,but a decrease of 22% in the number of blood donations(NBD) were detected in the third period compared to the first one.Mean APCH were 7081±550 and5121±255 units in the first and third periods,respectively.The mean ESH in the first period was 873±326 units,while it was3694±3143 units in the third period. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is obvious that we have learnt many lessons from theCOVID-19 pandemic,like how to face challenges in maintaining the balance between blood demandandblood supply.Utilizing media to encourage donors and implementation of PatientBloodManagement on national and institutional levels may be some some of the key components of a comprehensive strategy.The collaboration ofMinistry of Health,TRC and hospitalswassuccessful in securing a balance between blood supply and demand in Turkey,which COVID-19 pandemic impacted significantly.

Current fluid and blood product availability in veterinary setting: a survey of UK small animal practices.

To investigate and discuss current fluid and blood products stocked in small animal practices in the UK. An online survey was circulated to small animal veterinary practices across the UK. The survey included questions regarding the level of hospital care provided, the type of fluid and blood component products stocked, the most frequently restocked products, and the available options in the event that blood products were required but not stocked. There were 423 responses including 27 duplicates. The remaining 396 respondents represented a spectrum of practices including 19 referral practices. Crystalloids were stocked in all practices. Lactated Ringer's solution was the most frequently re-stocked product in 355 of 396 (90%) of practices. Where synthetic colloids were stocked, gelatin-based colloids (155/178 [87%]) were stocked in preference to hydroxyethyl starches (23/178 [13%]). Blood products were stocked by 81 of 396 (20%) of practices. If a blood product was required but not stocked, 31% of practices would use a pet blood banking service, 28% would use their own blood donors, and 21% would refer. This study provides an insight into the fluid and blood products stocked and used by a selection of veterinary practices within the UK and serves as a baseline for ongoing research and decision-making in both veterinary practice and industry.

Transfusion pattern of blood products in a blood bank at a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: Blood products in modern-day transfusion practice include, Packed Red Blood Cells, Platelets, Leucocytes, Plasma, Cryoprecipitate, and individual plasma factors. The objective was to study the pattern of usage of various blood products for the commonest clinical indications and to have an overview of the production of blood components. Materials and Methods: In this study, usage of various blood products like Packed Red Blood Cells, Platelet concentrates, Fresh Frozen Plasma, and Cryoprecipitate were studied in the blood bank of Trichy SRM medical college hospital and research center, using blood bank records and correlating with clinical data during the period of June 2015 - June 2020. Observation and result: The pattern of usage among 14,511 units of blood components from June 2015 – June 2020 showed the frequency of usage of Packed Red Blood Cells was more than Fresh Frozen Plasma and whole blood. The usage of whole blood was more than Platelet concentrates and Cryoprecipitate. The most frequently used component was Packed Red blood cells – 7841 units (54%). The second most frequently used component was fresh frozen plasma – 3889 units (26.8%). In the next frequency whole blood- 1955 units (13.5%), platelet concentrates - 797 units (5.5%) and cryoprecipitate – 29 units (0.2%) were used. Conclusion: There has been an appropriate increase in the usage of blood products to meet the clinical demand in treating the patients with an increase in pathological conditions. Specific blood component transfusion should be encouraged for specific indications to reduce non-essential overload to the patients.

Making and storing blood to save lives

Blood can be a scarce resource, but a multitude of approaches are promising new ways to store, create, and deliver blood’s component parts to patients in need . As soon as a wounded person starts hemorrhaging, the clock is ticking. The quicker an emergency responder can stop the bleeding and replace that blood, the better the chances are for survival. But most bleeding patients do not receive optimal prehospital trauma care, including blood transfusions. That costs lives—up to 30,000 people a year, according to a 2016 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (1). As noted by the military trauma surgeons who informed that report, the answer to this problem is not necessarily more blood collection, but rather better access to and storage of blood, and, ultimately, production of shelf-stable blood components. To save the lives of patients in dire need of blood, hospitals and emergency responders don’t necessarily need more blood collection. They need better access to and storage of blood, and, ultimately, production of shelf-stable blood components. Image credit: Shutterstock/Ben Carlson. After decades of failed trials to create artificial blood, researchers may finally be starting to meet that challenge. Several are looking to create products that serve as a complement to blood—a sufficient substitute to keep hemorrhaging patients alive until they have access to the real thing. Some researchers are developing freeze-dried versions of blood components; others are looking to create artificial particles that offer replacement components. Hemorrhaging patients rarely receive whole blood; instead, they receive reconstituted blood components. Donated whole blood is broken down into its parts: Red cells carry oxygen, platelets are responsible for clotting, and plasma is the liquid component that plays a role in coagulation. Breaking down blood into parts allows some of those components to be stored longer. Plasma, for …