Blood transfusion

Abstract

There are two main landmarks in blood transfusion which have allowed many major operations to be successfully performed. Firstly, the discovery of ABO isoagglutinins in 1901 by Landsteiner marked the development of safe blood transfusion. Secondly, the addition of acid-citratedextrose (ACD) from 1943 provided anticoagulant activity and nutrition for the red cells which resulted in a dramatic increase in the shelf life of stored blood. The main indications for transfusion of blood and its components are to replace acute blood loss, treat anaemia and to correct any disorders of haemostasis.