You have read “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” and “Blood: There Is No Substitute,” two texts about artificial blood. Write an essay that argues whether or not artificial blood should be considered as an approach to providing blood to patients in need. Using details from both texts, describe the challenges and benefits of artificial blood.
Write a well-organized, text-dependent response. Be sure to save time to edit and review your work for complete sentences, spelling, punctuation, and appropriate language.
Artificial blood has been a topic of debate in the medical field for many years. While some believe that it could be a game-changer in providing blood to patients in need, others are more skeptical of its potential benefits. After reading “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” and “Blood: There Is No Substitute,” it is clear that there are both challenges and benefits to consider when discussing the use of artificial blood.
One of the main challenges outlined in both texts is the difficulty of creating artificial blood that functions effectively within the human body. The articles discuss the various attempts made by scientists to develop synthetic blood, noting that many of these efforts have failed due to issues such as clotting, toxicity, and inadequate oxygen-carrying capacity. This suggests that finding a suitable alternative to natural blood is no easy task and requires rigorous testing and experimentation.
Additionally, both texts highlight the potential risks associated with using artificial blood. “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” mentions concerns about the long-term safety of synthetic blood and its potential to cause adverse reactions in patients. These risks must be carefully weighed against the benefits of using artificial blood, raising questions about its overall utility in clinical settings.
On the other hand, there are also significant benefits to consider when it comes to artificial blood. One of the key advantages mentioned in the texts is the potential for synthetic blood to address blood shortages and provide a more readily available option for patients in need. “Blood: There Is No Substitute” discusses the idea that artificial blood could be a valuable resource in emergency situations where traditional blood donations may not be readily available.
Furthermore, artificial blood has the potential to be used in a variety of medical settings, including surgeries, trauma care, and chronic disease management. This versatility could make it a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes and reducing the dependence on donor blood.
In conclusion, the question of whether or not artificial blood should be considered as an approach to providing blood to patients in need is a complex one. While there are clearly challenges and risks associated with synthetic blood, there are also significant benefits that cannot be overlooked. It is important for researchers and medical professionals to continue studying and exploring the potential of artificial blood in order to determine its efficacy and safety in clinical practice. Ultimately, the decision to use artificial blood should be made with careful consideration of the available evidence and the needs of patients.