The development and use of oxygen-carrying blood substitutes.

The major criteria by which any blood substitute product will be evaluated prior to commercial usefulness will include evaluations of its: oxygen transport characteristics purity and physical properties potential for and modality of toxicities efficacy in various clinical settings biologic half life metabolism immunogenicity Although a thorough review of these aspects are laborious, they are necessary prior to the performance of clinical trials. The promise and availability of a clinically useful oxygen-carrying blood substitute has been long in coming, however we fortunately enjoy the continued supply of the safest blood products ever available. Further improvements in our homologous blood system continue, while we strive for the development of a blood substitute. The availability of a safe, multi-use oxygen-transporting product could significantly contribute and improve upon the care of acutely ill patients. Table I reviews the current status of the various categories of blood substitutes. We look forward to the introduction of one or more of these products in the near future.