Scientists said Tuesday that they have devised a way to grow large quantities of blood in the lab using human embryonic stem cells, potentially making blood drives a relic of the past.
But experts cautioned that although it represents a significant technical advance, the new approach requires several key improvements before it could be considered a realistic alternative. An account of the procedure was published online by the journal Blood.
The ability to make blood in the lab would guarantee that hospitals and blood banks have access to an ample supply of all types of blood, including the rare AB-negative and O-negative.
It also would ensure that patients are never at risk of contracting diseases such as hepatitis C or AIDS from donor blood, said Dr. Dan Kaufman, of the University of Minnesota’s Stem Cell Institute, who wasn’t involved in the study.
Los Angeles Times
