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Blood transfusions have come a long way. The first transfusion, in the 17th century, attempted to heal a man with the blood of a calf. Since then, human-to-human transfusion efforts were often marred by incompatible blood types, problematic clotting, the inefficacy of relying on direct transfusions, and other stumbling blocks. In time, dedicated physicians, researchers, and administrators overcame these challenges, and blood is safer than ever.
On this journey we have come a long way, too. We began at the microscopic level, within the bone marrow; we followed blood flowing through the body, delivering oxygen where it is needed; leaving the body, by way of a needle, directly into a bag; from storage facilities to a hospital; and, eventually, back into another body -- a body desperate for more blood.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey. The final stage is the blood quiz, an informal assessment of how much you have learned. The answers to each of the questions can be found within the RED GOLD Web site. Enjoy!
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 Prior to 1910, bleeding to death was not uncommon, especially during childbirth, surgery, and among hemophiliacs.
 Millions of people receive blood transfusions annually in the U.S. alone.
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