Blood transfusions are not really as useful as many think, according to a research study by North Carolina doctors. Nitric Oxide, which plays vital role in transferring oxygen in the blood to tissues, will break down in stored blood immediately after donation. So, blood stored in the blood banks is not really as efficient as many think off. This research study by Duke University scientists were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Many doctors already have suspicions about efficiency of the stored blood as it failed to give expected results in most cases. Previous studies noted about the high incidence of heart diseases and stroke in transfused patients.
According to the National Institute of health (NIH), 5 million Americans receive blood transfusions (14 million units of RBC) each year. The donated blood should be used within 42 days of donation. Red Cross is already taking these research studies seriously.
To confirm these studies by Duke University researchers, large scale clinical trials are needed to come to a conclusion on this vital issue. We should have to evaluate benefits and problems of blood transfusions on case by case basis.
