The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Blood transfusion (Pictures taken at South Western Blood Transfusion Centre, Sutton) Pix shows bottles of (left to right) whole citrated blood, west (sic) plasma, dried serum and distilled water for reconstitution the (sic) dried plasma.”
In preparation for the Second World War, four blood transfusion depots were established around London at Slough, Maidstone, Luton, and Sutton. These supplied donated blood to the London area and for transportation overseas. Whole blood was difficult to transport, particularly overseas, so work investigating the division of blood into its constituent parts was undertaken. The transportation and storage of liquid plasma is more efficient but still has difficulties. Dried constituents of blood were introduced, with the benefits of stability, more economical storage and transportation, and ease of preparation. Serum is a part of the blood which is similar in composition to plasma but excludes the clotting factors of blood. It is produced by allowing the blood to clot and removing the clot. Citrate can be added to blood to act as an anticoagulant. See also MED01/01/3621-3624. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Depot, Laboratory, Second World War, Health And Welfare
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