MedicineHistory

Zdravko Kvržić

2026.1.1TRANSFUSION AND APHERESIS SCIENCE

DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2026.104388

tlooto Summary

The history of transfusion medicine is fascinating and essential for understanding the background of this noble and important field of medicine.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The history of transfusion medicine is vast and diverse. From its humble beginnings with animal-to-animal transfusions, followed by animal-to-human transfusions, and the first human-to-human transfusions, through the discovery of blood groups to today's highly developed quality systems, it has proven to be an important and independent field of medicine that supports other medical specialties such as surgery, transplantation, and trauma. Each period of this fascinating history is significant, with experts who worked to improve and find new ways to ensure the safe supply of blood to patients.Transfusion medicine continues to evolve, aiming to achieve the highest quality standards and foster new developments and discoveries. Its primary goal is to maintain a safe, uncontaminated supply of blood, blood components, and blood products through a sufficient number of healthy blood donors. The purpose of this article is to present the most important highlights in transfusion medicine.

METHODS This study is based on a review of literature and historical documents from the 15th to the 21st century.

CONCLUSION The history of transfusion medicine is fascinating and essential for understanding the background of this noble and important field of medicine.

Citation format

KVRŽIĆ, Zdravko. Milestones in history of transfusion medicine. TRANSFUSION AND APHERESIS SCIENCE, 2026, 65 2(2): 104388.