Origin from starch, similar structure with hepatin, far fewer allergic rate than dextran, no danger from hepatitis infection, favorite treatment cost, Hydroxyethyl starch become popular during clinical treatment.

When a person loses blood in an accident or during an operation, he can suffer shock and circulatory failure. Then the doctor must quickly supplement the too low blood volume with an infusion. Hydroxyethyl starch solutions have proved to be especially suitable for this purpose. In contrast to banked blood, the solutions can be stored easily and can therefore be carried in ambulances without problem. In addition, the doctor saves time because it is not necessary to determine the blood group before hand and potential risks of virus infections due to human blood can be completely avoided.