Artificial Blood Experiment Hits 27 U.S. Cities

abcnews.com/ ^ | July 07, 2006 | Brian Ross and Joseph Rhee

[cope85]

Artificial Blood Experiment Hits 27 U.S. Cities

Brian Ross and Joseph Rhee Report:

In 27 cities across the United States, seriously injured accident victims could end up in a medical experiment, without their knowledge or consent.

The experiment involves an artificial blood called Polyheme.

The federal government has given the company that makes it approval to use badly bleeding accident victims as test subjects, without the subjects informed consent.

The only way out is to wear a blue bracelet provided by the company.

The company says it's the only way to test such a product.

But others, including Pastor Paul Burleson of a Denver church alliance, say it turns Americans into human guinea pigs.

"If I'm in accident and I just don't happen to have this particular wristband, that I'd be a guinea pig is unconscionable," he said.

Check to see if your city is among those participating in the Polyheme experiment

[Vinnie]

I read about this in Dirk Pearson's(sp) 'Life Extension a Practical Solution' at least 20+ yrs. ago.

IIRC they were using it in Japan.

IIRC the formula then was a fluorocarbon that did not require typing and carried oxygen similar to blood.

Sounded like a good idea to me.

[Constantine XIII]

Imagine what it could do for battlefield triage.

[Myrddin]

Dr. Sharts had another audience in mind. There are a few religions than forbid blood transfusions. His artificial blood was an acceptable substitute for them and a genuine life saver. It would be a great resource for battlefield injuries requiring immediate replacement of blood volume.

[KansasConservative1]

Here is what they claim. It looks like processed human blood not "artificial blood"

- Simultaneously restores lost blood volume and hemoglobin levels
- Universally compatible (does not require typing or cross-matching before infusion)
- Immediately available
- Has not caused transfusion reactions
- Has extended shelf life in excess of 12 months
- Is manufactured from human red blood cells using steps to reduce the risk of viral transmission.

[Lazamataz]

There's really no other way to do a valid trial of this. How many people are going to bother to get and constantly wear an opt-in wristband?

I see your problem. Yes, that's a valid concern. People won't remember to wear the wristband every day.

Perhaps we should force people to get a symbol tattooed on their arms.

Maybe a Star of David.

[Farmer Dean]

What is going on in this country?Did we somehow morph into being the old USSR while we weren't paying attention?

[HKMk23]

Vampiers. LOL!!

And the IRS, right?

Oh. Wait. Same thing.

[after dark]

Lets hope it works.

People who are in serious accidents may have no other chance at escaping brain damage or death.

Transfusions of human blood is not without risk. Aids may not be the only disease which can be transmitted through blood.

Not that it matters if you are dying ,but blood transfusions can be expensive.I know of one person who had to undergo a bunch of transfusions because of an aneurysm. The cost was huge.

[Miztiki]

.

[mel]

I think I would go for fake blood also before someone else's blood.

[Dumb_Ox]

Let's all donate blood in protest.

[Born Conservative]

"This is the way they plan on putting in the governments mind control devices."

As the old song goes, "Paranoia, will destroy ya..."

[GrandEagle]

With enormous benefits if Polyheme is confirmed as a substitute for human blood
As with any study nobody has any idea the long term effects of this stuff. If you willingly enter into a study you take the risks upon yourself. Odds are it is fine, I'll agree, but we have absolutely no idea if it causes severe birth defects, cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, etc. None, Nada, zip. No idea at all.
I'm sorry but I think it is a bit arrogant for the government to OK ME to be a test subject for anything.

Period.

Cordially,
GE

[GrandEagle]

and this is a valid argument?
I wasn't even going to address this one. It is so not applicable I don't even know where to start.

[armymarinemom]

I thought these trials had already been in use for a couple of years on our troops? Did you find any data about the risks of this comparing the use of Polytheme vs Red Tagged blood on trauma?

[GrandEagle]

we resemble the old Soviet Union.
and China.

[muffaletaman]

In fact, from their website, the trial is almost over.

All through the trial there has been continuing review and no problems found.

• An Independent Data Monitoring Committee is charged with overseeing patient safety in this study. After reviewing the data on the first 60, 120, 250, and 500 of the planned 720 patients to be enrolled in the study, the IDMC four times recommended that the study continue without modification. Following the 500 patient review, the IDMC recommended that the study go to completion.

• Northfield recently announced that the study has passed the 700 patient mark.

The chemical hemoglobin, which is the active oxygen carrier in blood, has been extracted, purified and polymerized ("made larger") to prevent side-effects. Earlier work for the military to develop something better than salt-water for battlefield trauma, had found that the straight hemoglobin molecule was too small. It's small size compared to red blood cells caused some pretty severe complications. By binding the hemoglobin with stable polymers into larger units (the illustration showed a block of four heme-units) these side-effects are eliminated.

This produces a pure blood substitute that is MUCH better than just salt water, as it restores the oxygen supply to the entire body. It has the same chemical activity as blood, but no longer any related organic content / complications such as blood type, viral contamination, etc. It has a 12 month instead of two month storage life.

Intended for true emergency use where the injured is literally at death's door, this will be a life-saver.

And as noted above, here is the media report, BUT the trials being complained about are essentially over. The target was 720 uses in emergencies. They have had over 700 now with positive results.

Don't rely on media hyperbole when making informed decisions, is a likely lesson here...

[Calpernia]

ping

[infidel29]

I enjoyed your reply #53. It says quite a bit.

I'm sorry but I think it is a bit arrogant for the government to OK ME to be a test subject for anything.

Period

I saw some other replies that said something like 'the FDA approved the study, and a blue ribbon panel says it's okay...'
That may be true, but I didn't say it was okay. I'd like to see the replies if the FDA or EPA or DEP whatever said it was okay to test a new pesticide in these people's yards. "If it works, we'll save money on insect repellent... and a the government said it was safe..."

[Plasmaman]

thanks for the bump Cal!