A blood transfusion is an injection of blood (or a blood derivative) in a vein of a patient. The injected blood from one or several donors.
Although the history of the ancient Egyptians made mention of blood and in the seventeenth century it makes transfusions of animal blood (with little success), it was not until the late eighteenth century that it shows a dog having lost much blood has only need a blood transfusion from another dog and that this technique could be used in humans using human blood. This technique is used in the nineteenth century, but the results remain disappointing.
In 1900, Karl Landsteiner discovered blood groups. The blood is now selected by the patient's blood group. The results are spectacular. In 1916, it was partially successful in preventing the blood from donors to clot.
In 1940, we discovered the Rh factor allowing a better classification of blood. Transfusions are safer. In 1941, the blood may finally be preserved (blood bank).
Today, transfusions generally do not contain whole blood donors. Depending on the disease to be treated, they are concentrated red cells, platelets or plasma. For example: red blood cells for anemia, platelets for leukemia, plasma for immune deficiency.
There is always a risk of complications. The doctor decides to transfuse when complications may be higher without transfusion.
13 juillet 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |