Forensics Blood Timeline

  • 2500 BCE

    2500 B.C.

    Egyptians used bloodletting to try to cure diseases.
  • 500 BCE

    500 B.C.

    Greeks distinguish between arteries and veins
  • 1659

    Anton van Leeuwenhoek viewed blood cells under a microscope.
  • 1795

    First blood transfusion performed
  • 1901

    Karl Landsteiner discovered three blood types: A, B and O.
  • 1902

    Alfred Decastello discovered fourth blood type: AB
  • 1922

    Percy Oliver established the first blood donor service
  • 1935

    Mayo Clinic developed a method to store blood for transfusions.
  • 1937

    Dr. Bernard Fantus established the first blood bank
  • 1940

    Karl Landsteiner discovered the Rh protein
  • 1959

    First case of aids recorded in the Congo
  • 1984

    Robert Gallo identified the virus causing AIDS.
  • 1985

    Development of ELSA test to screen for diseases such as HIV by detecting and measuring antibodies in the blood
  • 1987

    Scientists began developing blood-screening tests for infectious diseases.