Blood Transfusions

What about blood transfusions in the First World War?

In the late 19th century, blood transfusions were given person-to-person and often resulted in infection and death. By the end of the First World War, however, medical advances had made them much safer and more common.

What new techniques were used for blood transfusion in the First World War?

Techniques used in blood transfusions developed throughout the war.

• ❖ In 1915, Lawrence Bruce Robertson developed a method of transferring blood using a syringe and a tube, as person-to-person transfusions weren't practical on the Western Front.
• ❖ Also in 1915, Richard Weil discovered that blood which had sodium nitrate added to it could be stored for up to 2 days if refrigerated.
• ❖ Geoffrey Keynes created a portable blood transfusion kit, so that transfusions could be carried out near the frontline.

How did blood banks help blood transfusions in the First World War?

By 1917, most casualty clearing stations used blood transfusions regularly. The building of depots for storing blood began before the Battle of Cambrai. This helped blood transfusion as there was an available store of blood to use.

How was infection prevented during blood transfusions in the First World War?

Before the war, many patients died from infections after blood transfusions. New discoveries prevented this happening:

• ❖ In 1900-1901, Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner discovered there were different blood types, which he named A, B, AB and O. This meant people were given the right blood, making transfusions safer.
• ❖ Aseptic surgery practices prevented infection as a result of the transfusion process.

How did they prevent blood for transfusions from clotting in the First World War?

One problem with storing blood was that it clotted and became thick and sticky. During the First World War, doctors needed to find ways to avoid this:

• ❖ In 1915, Richard Lewisohn discovered that adding sodium citrate to blood prevented clotting for two days.
• ❖ In 1916, Francis Rous and James Turner extended the storage time of blood from 2 days to 4 weeks if it was refrigerated, by adding citrate glucose to stop it clotting.