Hemoglobin solutions as a blood substitute

The ultimate objective for a Hb-derived oxygen-transporting solution is human use. There are four basic issues that must be addressed before this objective can be reached. 1) Assessment of the physiologic criteria for an oxygen-transporting Hb is needed to select those products with the best properties for tissue oxygenation. 2) Since modification requires chemical changes to the Hb molecule or its environment, these changes must be characterized. 3) The efficacy of the product(s) must be evaluated in animal models that simulate clinical situations where they will be used. 4) The safety of their use must be established.