The document discusses various alternatives to blood transfusion, including hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, perfluorocarbon oxygen carriers, antigen camouflage techniques, recombinant plasma proteins from transgenic animals, and potential platelet substitutes such as synthocytes and infusible platelet membranes. While these alternatives aim to address issues with blood supply and safety, each method still faces challenges with side effects, availability, and clinical efficacy that have prevented widespread use.