Blood Transfusions-A Long History of Controversy

 Early Hazards

In the 19th century, blood transfusions made a comeback.  Leading the revival was an English obstetrician named James Blundell.  With his improved techniques and advanced instruments-and his insitence that only human blood should be used-Blundell brought blood transfusions back into the limelight.  

But in 1873, F.  Gersellious, a Polish doctor, slowed the transfusion revival with a frightening  discovery.  More  than  half  the transfusions performed had ended in death. Upon learning this, eminent physician began denouncing the procedure. The popularity of trasfusions once again waned. 

Then, in 1878, French physician Georgess Hayem perfected a saline solution, which he claimed could serve as a substitute for blood.  Unlike blood, the saline solution had no side effects, did clot, and was easy to transport.  Understandably, Hayem's solution came to be widely used.  Strangely, however, opinon soon favored blood again. Why?

In 1900, Autrian pathologist Karl Landesteiner discovered the existence of blood types, and  he found that one one of blood is not always compatible with another.  No wonder so many tramnsfusions in the past had ended in tragedy!  Now that could be changed, simply by making sure that the blood type of the donor was compatible with that of the recipient.  With this knowledge, physicians renewed their confidence in transfusions-just in time for World War I. 

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