Researchers, after studying laboratory rats, have managed to discover that synthetic blood platelets, which are made of nano-particles, may be highly effective in stopping internal bleeding much faster, thereby saving more lives on the battlefield or in an accident.

For the sake of study, rats were given an intravenous dose of synthetic platelets after sustaining an injury, and these stopped the bleeding about 23% faster as compared to those who were not given any doses. If the time needed to actually administer the treatment is not counted, the platelets stopped the bleeding about 50% faster.

"We think we have a new potential way of treating trauma and really helping improve outcomes. We’re tremendously excited about what we’ve seen", said Erin Lavik, an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, while stressing that studies on pigs and humans are now needed before the product can be applied for approval to market.

Injuries sustained by accidents and trauma are the leading cause of death in the 5 to 44 age group, and blood loss accounts for most of these. As of now, to stop the bleeding medic’s use pressure dressing and absorbent materials but these work for external wounds only, synthetic platelets, which are specifically for internal injuries, are thus being considered a boon.

Details of the study have been published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.