ABSTRACT
The development of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) as a blood
substitute continues to command commercial attention, and many methods have
been used to prepare safe and effective products. Despite early setbacks, such
as those described by Savitsky (1), the field has advanced considerably. Many
of the toxic effects of early products, which were initially attributed to the
hemoglobin (Hb) itself, were in fact caused by impurities. Other undesirable
effects inherent to the Hb can be alleviated through chemical modification.
