Blood History

Blood has been around as long as humans have existed. The more we understand how blood works, the healthier we can make our communities. Here are some of the major advancements in blood history that help Michigan Blood provide the most reliable supply of a precious, unique resource.

Blood Banking Milestones

1898 – Four different inherited blood types are identified; doctors discover these inherited differences in red cells can cause physical reactions in people when they receive blood from someone with a different type.

1913-1919 – To help soldiers wounded in World War I, doctors begin trying to devise ways to preserve and transport blood.

1939-1945 – During World War II, scientists add preservatives to liquid blood so it can be stored and transported: for the first time, transfusions are widely and safely available.

1985-Present – As scientists identify more diseases that may be transmitted through blood transfusions, new testing requirements are introduced to detect viruses such as HIV, HCV, and WNV; additional donor-eligibility restrictions are added to prevent blood donation by people who are at risk for certain diseases based on where in the world they have traveled or lived.