(ORDO NEWS) — Researchers from the UK transfused patients with blood made entirely in the laboratory. This is the world‘s first clinical trial of the effects of artificial blood on the human body.
World‘s first laboratory-grown red blood cell trial begins in UK
According to Gizmodo , the blood was made from stem cells taken from donors and transfused into patients in a randomized clinical trial called RESTORE.
How was synthetic blood made?
The researchers took about 400 milligrams of blood from a donor. They then used special magnetic beads to extract flexible stem cells from her that could become red blood cells.
About half a million stem cells can be converted into 50 billion red blood cells in about three weeks.
The process of creating artificial blood is extremely complicated, and it is unlikely that it will completely replace conventional donated blood. However, synthetic can be used to treat patients with blood disorders and for those who need rare groups.
The essence of the current study
Currently undergoing phase I trials, which are primarily needed to test the safety of a new or experimental treatment.
Scientists will compare the lifespan of synthetic and conventional donated blood: artificial blood is expected to last longer. On average, red blood cells live for about 120 days.
If successful, patients receiving artificial blood will need fewer transfusions, which is safer.
So far, only two patients have received blood transfusions. The resulting dose is equivalent to a couple of teaspoons.
It is important to note that this is only the beginning. According to scientists, a number of additional studies and 5 to 10 years of development will be required before synthetic blood appears in hospitals.
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