Neva Abelson

Neva Abelson

Name	Neva Abelson
Birth name
Birth date	March 19, 1910
Birth place	Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Death date	September 26, 2000
Death place	Seattle, Washington, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Researcher
Years active
Organization
Known for	Co-developing the Coombs test
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Neva Abelson (March 19, 1910 – September 26, 2000) was a pioneering American physician and researcher, best known for her contributions to the development of the Coombs test, a diagnostic tool used to detect antibodies that act against the surface of red blood cells. Her work has had a significant impact on the fields of hematology and transfusion medicine.

Early Life and Education

Neva Abelson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1910. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, where she developed an interest in the sciences. Abelson went on to attend the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, earning her M.D. in 1938.

Career and Research

After completing her medical degree, Abelson began her career in research and academia. She joined the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, where she worked alongside Philip Levine, a prominent immunohematologist. Together, they conducted groundbreaking research on blood groups and hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Development of the Coombs Test

One of Abelson's most notable achievements was her role in the development of the Coombs test, also known as the antiglobulin test. This test, co-developed with Robert Coombs and Arthur Mourant, is used to detect immunoglobulins or complement proteins bound to the surface of red blood cells. The Coombs test is crucial in diagnosing conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Personal Life

Neva Abelson was married to Philip Abelson, a renowned physicist and scientific editor. The couple had one daughter, Ellen Abelson Cherniavsky, who became an accomplished scientist in her own right.

Legacy

Neva Abelson's contributions to medical science have left a lasting legacy. Her work on the Coombs test has saved countless lives by improving the safety and efficacy of blood transfusions and prenatal care. Abelson's dedication to research and education continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals.

Also see

• Coombs test
• Hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Blood transfusion
• Immunohematology
• Philip Abelson