Scope and limitations of stroma-free hemoglobin solution as an oxygen-carrying blood substitute.

One hundred years of study of stroma-free hemoglobin have generated much information regarding its scope and limitations as an oxygen-carrying blood substitute. The most important development in recent years is the development of a truly stroma-free hemoglobin solution. At this time, we know that SFH can readily bind, transport, and unload oxygen. It does not appear to be nephrotoxic or significantly antigenic. It may not be converted to methemoglobin in the body in significant amounts. Its short in vivo half-life may have important advantages.