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Blood Breakthrough Could Put An End To Shortages

Published: April 17, 2007

It’s a breakthrough that could save countless lives. Danish scientists have developed a simple method for converting one blood type into another, which could mean the end of blood shortages as we know it.

“To be able to change blood into a universal donor is the holy grail of transfusion medicine practice,” said Dr. Ben Saxon.

Danish scientists have discovered two unique sugar enzymes in bacteria that efficiently convert blood types “A” and ‘B” into the universal blood type “O.”

Blood shortages happen all the time, and type “O” blood is the only blood that can be safely transfused into any patient.

Blood platelets, known as liquid gold, will provide clotting factors to patients undergoing trauma surgery and chemotherapy.

The Danish technique promises to bring lifesaving blood to everyone, regardless of blood type.

But the breakthrough is still years away from actual practice.

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Published in Science & Technology
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