Founded in 1935, promoting blood transfusion worldwide. Has 1900 members in 103 countries, with headquarters in Amsterdam. Governed by 16-member board representing all WHO regions. Led by Pierre Tiberghien as president as of June 2024
Ancient Greeks believed blood was one of four bodily fluids determining personality. Galen of Pergamum prescribed bloodletting as treatment for body balance. First successful human-to-human transfusion performed in 1818. Karl Landsteiner classified blood groups in 1909, winning Nobel Prize in 1930
Blood groups are determined by antigens on red blood cell surfaces. ABO system classifies blood into A, B, AB, and O types. Rh factor determines blood type as positive or negative
Polymorphism refers to the occurrence of multiple forms or traits in a species. Types include protein, DNA, RFLP, CNP, SNP, and enzyme polymorphisms. DNA polymorphisms affect about 1% of the population. SNPs account for 90% of human genetic variation
William Harvey discovered blood circulation in 1616. Richard Lower pioneered blood transfusion experiments in 1665. Jean-Baptiste Denis documented first transfusion reactions in 1667. Animal blood transfusions were banned in France and Britain in 1668-1678
Dr. Karl Landsteiner discovered human blood groups in 1900. Four main blood types: A, B, O, and AB. Blood groups determined by presence/absence of antigens on red blood cells. AB blood type is universal recipient, O blood type is universal donor. Blood type testing involves mixing blood with anti-A or anti-B antiserum