Abstract
The practice of transfusing blood has been around for centuries. Initially, animal blood was used to transfuse humans. Naturally, most patients quickly died, but a few did survive for hours to days. The science and concept of transfusion medicine started with the discoveries of human blood types and sodium citrate. Human blood typing is the pillar and foundation for safe blood transfusions, and citrate allowed for the storage of blood. World War I brought to light the importance of transfusion medicine and its ability to save numerous lives. Over the past half-century, transfusion medicine has moved from war and trauma to its use in everyday life, including surgery, blood component therapy for side effects of chemotherapy, and treatment of bleeding diatheses, to name a few. This chapter will introduce the basic concepts of blood banking and provide an overall view of transfusion medicine, including blood component therapy, patient blood management, transfusion triggers, and transfusion complications.
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