Durham County To Enter Synthetic Blood Trial

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.