New research explores the growing evidence behind whole blood transfusions—and how South Texas Blood & Tissue helped shape this lifesaving approach.
Whole blood is making a remarkable return to trauma care.
Once considered the standard of care before blood components became widely available, whole blood is again gaining momentum as research continues to demonstrate its ability to improve outcomes for patients experiencing life-threatening hemorrhage.
A new review published in JAMA Surgery examines the growing body of evidence supporting whole blood transfusions and outlines what is needed to continue expanding these lifesaving programs. Among the paper’s authors is trauma surgeon and BioBridge Global Board Member Donald H Jenkins, M.D., FACS, an early advocate for returning whole blood to prehospital care.
What Is Driving the Return of Whole Blood?
Trauma remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, with many patients experiencing severe blood loss before they reach definitive care.
According to the review, whole blood offers a practical, physiologically complete approach to hemorrhage resuscitation by delivering red blood cells, plasma and platelets together in a single product. This approach can simplify transfusion practices while supporting improved outcomes for carefully selected patients.
As evidence continues to grow, healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing whole blood as an important tool in modern trauma care.
What Does the Latest Research Show?
The review highlights several opportunities to strengthen prehospital whole blood programs and improve patient outcomes, including:
- Deploying whole blood strategically where it can have the greatest impact on patient survival.
- Continuing to study the potential benefits of whole blood transfusions for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
- Learning from successful implementation models used in stroke and cardiac arrest systems to further strengthen trauma care.
The authors also emphasize that continued research and collaboration will be essential as more healthcare organizations adopt whole blood programs.
How Has South Texas Blood & Tissue Helped Advance This Work?
South Texas Blood & Tissue has played a leading role in advancing low titer O whole blood through its Heroes in Arms collection program.
As the lifesaving benefits of whole blood have become increasingly recognized, trauma systems across the country have looked to the South Texas model while developing their own programs. This collaborative approach has helped expand access to whole blood and strengthen emergency medical systems nationwide.
Why Does This Research Matter?
The publication describes the return of whole blood as more than a revival of an older practice.
“The resurgence of whole blood reflects a rare convergence in trauma care. Physiologic logic, clinical evidence, and ethical clarity have aligned around a single intervention.”
The review concludes that whole blood has reemerged as a practical, evidence-based approach to hemorrhagic resuscitation, reinforcing its growing role in improving outcomes for patients experiencing severe blood loss.
Looking Ahead
As prehospital whole blood programs continue to evolve, collaboration between clinicians, researchers, blood centers and emergency medical services will remain essential.
Through innovation, research and programs like Heroes in Arms, South Texas Blood & Tissue continues to help advance transfusion medicine while supporting the future of trauma care—ensuring more patients have access to lifesaving blood when every second counts.
Dr. Jenkins is currently Professor of Surgery, Vice Chair for Quality and Associate Deputy Director of the Military Health Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
