the fascinating intricacy of blood

Understanding Haemoglobin

Each red blood cell contains approximately 300 million haemoglobin molecules. Haemoglobin comprises about 1/3 of a mature red cell’s volume. Each molecule contains the protein globin and a pigment called heme—which includes an iron atom.

When red blood cells pass through the lungs, oxygen molecules penetrate the cell and attach to haemoglobin molecules. These oxygen molecules are then discharged into body tissue within seconds, sustaining cellular life.

Manufacturing Process

Manufacturers now process haemoglobin by extracting it from human or bovine red blood cells. This extracted haemoglobin undergoes several stages:

• Filtration to remove impurities
• Chemical modification and purification
• Mixing with solution
• Packaging

The final product—not yet approved for use in most countries—is called a haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, or HBOC. Due to the heme content, a unit of HBOC appears identical to a unit of red blood cells, its primary source component.

Advantages and Considerations

Unlike red blood cells, which require refrigeration and have a short shelf life of mere weeks, HBOCs can be:

• Stored at room temperature
• Used months after production
• Administered without blood-type matching concerns

Spiritual Considerations

For conscientious Christians striving to observe God’s law on blood, HBOCs present unique challenges. 2 main objections arise when HBOCs are derived from blood:

1. HBOCs perform the key function of red cells, a primary blood component
2. Haemoglobin constitutes a significant portion of that component

Christians face a serious decision regarding these and similar products. They must carefully and prayerfully consider Biblical principles about blood’s sacredness. Each individual must be guided by their Bible-trained conscience to maintain a strong relationship with Jehovah, who says:

“Each one will carry his own load”

—Galatians 6:5

the bible keeps us safe: Understanding the Witnesses’ Stand

Jehovah’s Witnesses, many of whom are physicians, surgeons, and nurses, and they are globally recognised for declining transfusions of whole blood or primary blood components. Their unified position isn’t based on human doctrine or belief in faith healing—quite the contrary.

Biblical Foundation for Health Choices

Viewing life as a gift from God, witnesses endeavour to live by Biblical standards, believing the Bible is “inspired of God” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Revelation 4:11). This sacred text encourages God’s worshippers to avoid health-damaging and life-threatening practices, including:

• Overeating
• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Alcohol abuse
• Recreational drug use

“Do not be among those who drink too much wine, among those who gorge themselves on meat”

—Proverbs 23:20

“Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit”

—2 Corinthians 7:1

Balanced Approach to Healthcare

Acting in harmony with Biblical principles involves:

• Maintaining bodily and environmental cleanliness
• Engaging in beneficial physical exercise

“Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them”

—Matthew 7:12

“Physical training is beneficial”

—1 Timothy 4:8

When illness strikes, witnesses obviously seek medical attention and accept the most available treatments:

“Let your reasonableness become known”

—Philippians 4:5

While they faithfully observe the Biblical command to:

“keep abstaining from blood”

—Acts 15:29