662.023

Scannell apparatus for whole blood transfusion, complete in case.

Inscription

"VIM" SCANNELL SYRINGE / FOR BLOOD TRANSFUSION / [GRADUATIONS] 5-20Cc
DR. A.T. JONES

Production date

circa 1935

Production organisations

MACGREGOR INSTRUMENT COMPANY

Labels

This Scannell apparatus for whole blood transfusion was manufactured by the MacGregor Instrument Company and was designed to perform direct whole blood transfusions. Housed in a fitted wooden case, the equipment includes glass syringes, rubber tubing, metal connectors and a range of interchangeable needles. This object represents an important stage in the development of transfusion medicine during the first half of the twentieth century, when many transfusions were still carried out using freshly donated whole blood rather than stored blood components. Prior to blood banks becoming widely established and a reliable blood storage technique developed, the Scannell system enabled blood to be transferred safely from donor to recipient under carefully controlled conditions. The design of the apparatus reflects the increasing professionalisation of blood transfusion as a medical procedure.

Sarah Chadwick, PhD Researcher