Canadian Red Cross lecture. Current concepts of oxygen-transporting blood substitutes.

Blood substitutes are being developed that will provide oxygen-transporting capabilities as well as volume replacement. Perfluorochemical and hemoglobin solutions have potential clinical use. A perfluorochemical blood substitute, Fluosol-DA 20%, is being used in clinical trials in several countries. These blood substitutes are not capable of totally replacing the need for blood transfusions but could be used temporarily in situations where blood is contraindicated or not available. They may be useful for a wide range of clinical conditions other than blood replacement, such as impending tissue ischemia. Before large-scale clinical use of these products is realized, more information is needed about drug efficacy and safety so that intelligent decisions can be made about indications for this type of transfusion therapy.