History of Blood Transfusion Attempts

What was a significant consequence of Jean Bapiste Denys's transfusions?

Which breakthrough in 1900 significantly advanced immunohematology?

What was the primary reason for the prohibition of blood transfusions from 1667 to 1818?

What were the two main postulates established in the immunological approach to blood transfusion?

Who was responsible for the first successful transfusion of human blood to combat hemorrhage during childbirth?

Species-specific transfusions

Early Blood Transfusion Attempts

Efforts to transfuse blood date back several centuries.
William Harvey described blood circulation in 1616.
Richard Lower performed the first animal-to-animal blood transfusion in 1665.
Jean Bapiste Denys attempted human blood transfusions in 1667, leading to fatal reactions.
Animal-to-human and even human-to-human transfusions were mostly unsuccessful.
Transfusions were prohibited due to high fatality rate until 1818.

James Blundell and the Advancement of Transfusion

James Blundell successfully transfused human blood in 1818, to women after childbirth.
Early transfusions, even within the same species, could be successful half of the time while failing most of the time.

Karl Landsteiner and the ABO Blood Groups

Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood groups in 1900.
This discovery ushered in the immunological era of blood transfusion.
The incompatibility of transfusions was linked to antigens on red blood cells.

Key Postulates

Each species possesses unique red blood cell factors.
Even within species, some blood factors can overlap while others are differing.

Significance of Landsteiner's Discovery

Landsteiner's work established a scientific basis for transfusion therapy & profoundly impacting modern medicine.
The work was foundation work for Immunohematology as a science.

Explore the fascinating history of blood transfusions, from early attempts by William Harvey and Richard Lower to significant advancements by James Blundell and Karl Landsteiner. Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped this vital medical procedure. This quiz delves into the timeline and key figures involved in blood transfusion development.