Artificial Blood: An Emerging Technology with Major Health and Safety Challenges / Healthcare Systems Still Depend on Blood Donation

The CEO of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization emphasized the vital role of blood donation in maintaining patient safety and the sustainability of the healthcare system, stating that the use of artificial blood in humans is still at the research stage and, due to significant health, safety, and economic considerations, has not yet entered widespread clinical application.

According to the Health and Occupational Safety Support News Agency, Ahmad Qarabaghians, in an interview with ILNA, commented on the latest global developments in artificial blood research, noting that experimental forms of artificial blood have been approved only in a very limited and highly controlled manner in some developed countries. However, these products are not yet capable of serving as a safe and reliable substitute for human blood.

Referring to HSE principles within blood transfusion systems, he explained that from a health and patient safety perspective, any substance introduced into the human body must undergo comprehensive evaluation for biocompatibility, cellular safety, immune reactions, and long-term health effects. At present, no product can fully replicate the complex biological functions of human blood—particularly red blood cells and platelets—without posing potential health risks.

The CEO added that while certain blood products, such as coagulation factors, have long been produced using recombinant technology under strict biosafety standards— including Factors VIII, I, X, XII, and XIII—these advancements do not eliminate the need for donated human blood. In particular, there are currently no approved artificial platelet products available in Iran.

Addressing the economic and environmental aspects of the issue, Qarabaghians noted that the development of artificial blood requires highly advanced infrastructure and substantial financial resources. Under current conditions, such technology has not yet achieved acceptable safety levels, nor is it considered economically feasible or sustainable for healthcare systems.

In response to questions regarding possible psychological or personality changes following blood transfusion, he clarified that some religious or non-scientific beliefs consider blood to be an integral component of personal identity. However, medical science does not support these claims. Blood is a fluid tissue responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and essential biomolecules, and there is no scientific evidence indicating that it influences personality traits, mood, or spiritual characteristics.

In conclusion, the head of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization highlighted the positive psychological and social impacts of regular blood donation, stating that consistent donors often experience a greater sense of vitality and well-being due to their contribution to saving lives. This sense of social responsibility and usefulness is regarded as an important component of mental health within a comprehensive HSE approach.