IN QUEST OF A UNIVERSAL DONOR BLOOD FOR TRANSFUSION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i4.1913Keywords:
Blood group antigens, Universal donor blood group, Artificial red blood cellsAbstract
Long ago, man noticed the relationship of blood with vitality and vigour of animals and humans. Early scientists, before the knowledge of blood groups, attempted transfusion of animal blood to humans but with discouraging results. Now, modern transfusion services are an integral part of all national healthcare services. The major problems faced by the transfusion services are to match donated blood with the patient’s blood and maintaining a voluntary donors’ list for continuous supply of donated blood. Considering these problems, scientists are searching for a universal donor blood by attempting to remove A and B antigens from the donated blood and also trying to manufacture artificial or altered red blood cells having no antigens. Removing a terminal sugar from antigen A or B by using enzymes glycosidases are now possible. Some studies to form new red blood cells having no antigens have also become successful. Scientists used haemoglobin removed from expired blood and packed it in new envelops, artificial red blood cells, which have no blood group antigens. Successful research results and ongoing clinical trials give us hope that a universal donor blood will be available in near future.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(4):1–2, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i4.1913
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