Who performed animal to human blood transfusion?

Study for the PMLS History of Medical Technology Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Who performed animal to human blood transfusion?

Transfusion history and cross-species experiments are what this question is testing. Jean Baptiste Denys conducted the first animal-to-human transfusion in 1667, performing a transfusion of lamb’s blood into a human patient in Paris. This landmark event showed that blood could be transferred between species, but it also highlighted the serious risks and immune reactions that come with cross-species transfusions. While the attempt sparked interest and laid groundwork for later work, it was not a safe or practical method at the time. In contrast, later developments moved toward safety and practicality within the same species: James Blundell is known for pioneering the first successful human-to-human transfusion in the 19th century. Edward Jenner is famous for developing the smallpox vaccine, not for transfusion. So the person who first performed an animal-to-human transfusion, making Denys the correct choice, is Jean Baptiste Denys.

Transfusion history and cross-species experiments are what this question is testing. Jean Baptiste Denys conducted the first animal-to-human transfusion in 1667, performing a transfusion of lamb’s blood into a human patient in Paris. This landmark event showed that blood could be transferred between species, but it also highlighted the serious risks and immune reactions that come with cross-species transfusions. While the attempt sparked interest and laid groundwork for later work, it was not a safe or practical method at the time.

In contrast, later developments moved toward safety and practicality within the same species: James Blundell is known for pioneering the first successful human-to-human transfusion in the 19th century. Edward Jenner is famous for developing the smallpox vaccine, not for transfusion. So the person who first performed an animal-to-human transfusion, making Denys the correct choice, is Jean Baptiste Denys.

More practice questions