There are two types of artificial blood available in the market.
1. Hemoglobin-containing blood: Hemoglobin-containing blood is prepared from human, cow or cattle blood. This blood is kept in a controlled environment. Hemoglobin becomes toxic to the kidneys if not stored in a protected environment.
2. Perfluorocarbon Emulsion: Perfluorocarbon emulsion is completely artificial blood. The only artificial blood allowed is Fluosol. Fluosol causes adverse reactions in the patient’s body. Therefore, Fluosol was withdrawn from the market in 1994. At present extensive research is going on to make suitable artificial blood.