Forbes August 15, 2024
Bob Roda is the President and CEO of Hemosonics.
For too long, blood transfusions were considered a go-to solution for severe injuries or complex surgical procedures. This long-standing practice, however, is not without flaws. Studies indicate that a significant portion of these transfusions—up to 55%—might be unnecessary, posing avoidable risks to patients and driving up healthcare costs.
Despite their common usage, transfusions carry hidden dangers, including potential infections, increased complications, prolonged hospital stays and increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Such risks, coupled with the fact that transfusion practices can contribute to chronic blood shortages in the U.S. and inflate healthcare spending, underscore the need for change.
Fortunately, advancements in medical technology and practices point toward a more efficient and...