How Charles R. Drew transformed blood preservation to save lives during World War II

Health · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Charles R. Drew was a pioneering physician whose doctoral research on blood preservation revolutionized medical care. By developing techniques to store and transport plasma, he created the foundation for modern blood banking, directly impacting the survival of countless soldiers and civilians during the global crisis of World War II.

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1904, Charles R. Drew pursued a distinguished academic path, graduating from Amherst College in 1926 before earning his medical degree from McGill University in 1933. His expertise in surgery and pathology deepened during his time at Howard University and Freedman’s Hospital. In 1938, he began a two-year Rockefeller fellowship at Columbia University, where he conducted exhaustive research on blood preservation at Presbyterian Hospital.

His seminal doctoral thesis, titled Banked Blood, explored methods to extend the shelf life of blood. Drew discovered that plasma could be preserved significantly longer through de-liquification—separating the liquid plasma from red blood cells. This plasma could then be reconstituted when needed. In 1940, he became the first African American to earn a Doctor of Science in Surgery from Columbia University for this work.

As World War II created an urgent demand for blood supplies, Drew was recruited to lead the Blood for Britain project. He implemented rigorous standards for plasma extraction, utilizing centrifugation and aseptic techniques to prevent contamination. His protocols, which included the use of ultraviolet light and specialized containers, set the standard for large-scale blood banking, ultimately saving thousands of lives.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Drew was a vocal advocate for equality. He challenged the lack of scientific foundation for racial segregation in blood donation, eventually resigning from the American Red Cross over the issue. His legacy continues through the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, which remains dedicated to addressing health disparities.

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