Freeze-Dried Blood for Soldiers

September 5, 2006

“The idea is to take a soldier’s blood, freeze it under laboratory conditions and remove the ice crystals, leaving only the blood components,” explained Blumenfeld.  A blood transfusion using the soldier’s own reconstituted blood would eliminate compatibility problems and the dangers of infection.

At present, combat medics and doctors are forced to use a saline solution in transfusions on the battlefield until the injured soldier can be evacuated to a regular medical facility. Blood transfusions are also available in evacuation aircraft for critical injuries.

The Ness Tziona company, which is working on the product for the IDF, recently carried out an experiment that showed the blood powder would be able to carry 80% oxygen once it is reconstituted with water.

IDF Chief Medical Officer Hezi Levy said it is hoped that the project will be completed in the next two years and said the United States Army is also very interested.

By Hana Levi Julian Arutz Sheva

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