Blood Transfusions in the Second World War

What developments were there in blood transfusions in the Second World War?

During the Second World War, blood transfusion became more common and more effective due to a number of new developments.

What were the key developments in blood transfusion during the Second World War?

There were 4 key developments in blood transfusions:

• ❖ Blood donations became more common. Around 700,000 people gave blood during the Second World War.
• ❖ There were better facilities for storing blood, such as the Army Blood Supply Depot located in Bristol.
• ❖ Doctors began to use blood plasma for transfusions and developed a dried plasma package which was easier to store and transport.
• ❖ In 1939, the discovery of the rhesus blood group, and work on the tetanus vaccination, meant blood transfusions became safer.