THE PHENOMENA CONCERNED WITH "REACTIONS" FOLLOWING THE TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD

Abstract

Clinically, it is recognized that the intravascular introduction of blood to a subject from an individual of homologous species is a therapeutic procedure of first rank. At times, blood transfusion may be the only agency through which life may be saved or prolonged. While differences of opinion exist as to the method of choice in transfusion, there is unanimous agreement that the factor of greatest importance, with respect to the results, is the blood itself. In this viable fluid tissue lie the potentialities for clinical betterment or for harm. Numerous contributions have emphasized the benefits that have followed blood transfusion.¹The harmful consequences of the procedure have been dwelt on indifferently by clinicians and in incomplete or detached fashion by laboratory workers. Our report is an attempt to describe (a) the type of unwished-for events that may follow blood transfusion and to discuss the nature of such phenomena, and