1868-1943
Serologist

Achievement.

Life.

Blood Types Discovered.

Bloodtyping.

The Study of Infectious Disease.

New Blood Factors Discovered.

The Rh Factor.

More important, Landsteiner and his associates found the Rh factor, which is present in 85 percent or more of human subjects. Those who lack the Rh factor are Rh negative. Under ordinary circumstances, the presence or absence of the Rh factor has no bearing on life or health. It becomes important in cases of blood transfusion or pregnancy. Because the factor may cause serious disturbances in an individual carrying antibodies against it, infants in utero may be in danger if the mother and father carry different Rh types. Likewise, the Rh factor must be compatible for safe blood transfusion.

Source:

Stanhope Bayne-Jones, "Dr. Karl Landsteiner," Science, 73 (5 June 1931): 599-604.