Medicine: Sweating Blood

Though blood transfusions have saved thousands of lives, the procedure can be risky for patients and doctors alike. In the past five years, more than 20,000 Americans have contracted serum hepatitis, many from blood transfusions, and several have sued as a result. A number of courts have rejected their claims. But last week an Illinois housewife won one round in a legal battle and touched off a scare that has hospitals sweating blood.

Mrs. Frances Cunningham entered MacNeal Memorial Hospital in Berwyn, Ill., for treatment of anemia in 1960. During her stay, she...

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