Fresh blood for transfusions may not boost patient’s health, says study
Posted on: 28/Oct/2016 10:31:34 AM
A new study conducted by researchers from the McMaster University in Canada has said that using fresh blood for transfusions may not boost patient survival. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Speaking about this, the researchers said, It is been a contentious issue, but our study finally puts an end to the question about whether stored blood could be harmful and fresher blood would be better. Our study provides strong evidence that transfusion of fresh blood does not improve patient outcomes, and this should reassure clinicians that fresher is not better. The results are also good news for blood suppliers worldwide as having a supply of stored blood helps to ensure that blood is available when a patient needs it.
Blood transfusions are a common medical intervention. Advances in blood storage now allow blood to be stored up to 42 days before transfusion and the usual practice is to use up the blood that has been in storage the longest. However there are biochemical, structural and functional changes in the blood during storage, there had been concerns about the use of older` blood. This study reassures us that ageing is not bad - even for blood.
