Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in perfusion applications are provided. In the subject methods, a subject or derivative thereof, e.g. isolated organ or tissue, is infused, perfused and/or transfused with at least two fluid compositions. The first fluid composition is a non-naturally occurring biological buffer free plasma-like solution and the second fluid composition is a fluid blood composition. In a preferred embodiment, an additional volume of the first solution, or a derivative thereof, is administered to the patient following introduction of the fluid blood composition. Also provided are kits and systems for performing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in variety of perfusion applications, including the treatment of hypothermic surgical applications, cryogenic procedures, and the like.

Abstract: A blood substitute suitable for replacing blood in mammalian subjects when performance of surgical procedures at hypothermic temperatures is described. The blood substitute comprises water, electrolytes at physiological concentration, dextran 40 at a concentration sufficient for the blood substitute to achieve a colloidal suspension having a fluid osmotic pressure essentially equivalent to mammalian plasma, HEPES buffer at a physiological pH, dextrose, magnesium ion at a concentration of about 0.01M and potassium ion at a concentration greater than 10 mEq per liter sufficient to prevent or arrest cardiac fibrillation. In one embodiment the blood substitute is a multi-solution system wherein the solutions comprise differing levels of the above-indicated components and are administered sequentially to completely replace a subjects circulating blood.

Abstract: An article in web or sheet form, especially useful in the packaging or container art, having control indicia. The indicia are detectable under special conditions for controlling operations in the manufacture and/or use of the article. In the preferred embodiment the indicia are invisible and of a polar or ionic organic material that will not significantly migrate through a plastic web. The indicia emit electromagnetic wavelength-shifted radiation in response to incident electromagnetic radiation of a selected wavelength.