Biodiversity and perceptions of risk: Reactions to the use of a single donor for stem-cell derived red blood cell transfusions

Citation

King E (2015) Biodiversity and perceptions of risk: Reactions to the use of a single donor for stem-cell derived red blood cell transfusions. Journal of Medical Law and Ethics, 3 (3), pp. 151-163. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmle2015&div=17&id=&page=

Abstract
Blood transfusion is a well-accepted medical technology that currently relies on a supply of red blood cells from many thousands of altruistic donors. Cultured red blood cells using stem cell technology could offer a replacement technology, providing a limitless supply of red blood cells from a single source. This project used interviews and focus groups to explore the views of a wide range of publics towards cultured red blood cells. This paper explores how participants referred to a lack of biodiversity in cultured red blood cells in three ways. The first was as a comparison to GM crops, with concern over a monopoly on blood supplies. The second was a perceived increased risk associated with a single source of blood. Thirdly participants saw the lack of biodiversity as a threat to the altruistic nature of blood donation from multiple donors.

Journal
Journal of Medical Law and Ethics: Volume 3, Issue 3

People

Dr Emma King

Research Fellow, Faculty of Social Sciences