The Real Value of Blood

 Within each blood cells are some 300 million hemoglobin molecules. Hemoglobin represents about one third of the volume of a mature red cell. Each molecule contains the protein globin and a pigment called heme-which includes an iron atom.  When a red blood cell passes through the lungs, oxygen molecules  penetrate the cell and attach themselves to hemoglobin molecules.  Seconds later, the oxygen is discharged into the body tissue, sustaing the life of the cell.

Some manufacturers now process hemoglobin, releasing it from human or bovine red blood cells. The extracted hemoglobin is then filtered to remove impurities, chemically modified and purified, mixed with a solution, and packaged.  The end product-not yet  approved for use in most lands-is called  a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier,or HBOC looks just like  a unit of red blood cells, the primary component from which it is taken.

Unlike red blood cells, which must be  refrigerated and discarded after a few weeks, the HBOC can be stored at room temperature and used months later. And since the cell membrane with its unique antigens is gone, severe reactions  due to mismatched blood types poses no threat. However, compared with other blood fractions, the HBOC presents more challenges to conscientious Christians, who seek to obey God's law on blood. Why? As long as the HBOC  is derived from blood, there are two objections that may be raised.  One, the HBOC is the key function of a primary component of blood, the red cells.  Two, hemoglobin, from whic the HBOC is derived, makes up  a significant portion of that component.  Regarding this and similar products, then, Christians face a very serious decisiion.  They must carefully and prayerfully meditate on Bible principles concerning the sacredness of blood. With a keen desire to maintain a good relationship with Jehovah, each must be guided by his Bible-trained conscience. - GALATIANS 6:5.

Next time: The Real Value of Blood - HEMOGLOBIN MOLECULE

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