Blood transfusions. More than three centuries of history

Abstract

Introduction: the history of transfusion has gone through different paths that meant great challenges for ancient physicians, until achieving perfection in the medical procedure that saves millions of lives around the world every year.

Objective: to identify the most relevant aspects in the historical evolution of blood transfusion as a therapeutic procedure.

Method: a bibliographic review was carried out between February 17 and 26, 2024. To search for information, the following databases were used: Dialnet, EBSCO, Elsevier, Medline, SciELO and national and international open access journals indexed in Google Scholar. The terms used were: Blood transfusions, transfusion history, Karl Landsteiner, ABO system, Rh factor and medicine in the First World War; in Spanish and English. 14 bibliographic references were used.

Development: there are many personalities who dedicated their scientific work to such an altruistic act during their lives. The Austrian Karl Landsteiner stands out. He perfected the technique at analytical levels after realizing that people's blood was not completely equal, which led him to a more in-depth study that led to the birth of the ABO system and the Rh factor; discoveries that led him to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.

Conclusions: the history of transfusion has gone through important paths that have allowed it, thanks to scientists from past eras, to achieve almost total success.