Apparatus for recording variables in the production of dried plasma used for blood transfusions
This massive switchboard and automatic apparatus recorded the plasma temperature, the refrigerating coil temperature in the primary dessicator and the pressure in the dessicators. Captain B.W.Lacey, of the Army Blood Transfusion Service, is seen inserting a new record sheet. The outbreak of World War Two had prompted work investigating the division of blood into its constituent parts, because whole blood was difficult to transport to overseas battlefields. Plasma is the fluid in the blood containing proteins that help blood to clot. Liquid plasma, though more efficient to transport than whole blood, was similarly difficult to convey to battle and administer in the field. Dried plasma was introduced, with the benefits of stability, more economical storage and transportation, and ease of preparation. Keeping plasma in a frozen state before drying ensured that storage was economical and simple, and reduced the risk of the plasma deteriorating.
