DURHAM, N.C. — Durham County will join a nationwide trial of synthetic blood, a little later than first planned.
Last year, county commissioners voted to allow Durham County EMS to partner with Duke University in a clinical trial for
PolyHeme
.
PolyHeme is a blood substitute that is compatible with all blood types. Right now, ambulances do not carry whole blood because it spoils easily.
PolyHeme has a shelf life of at least a year.



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