This article examines the blood compatibility of chitosan grafted with 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA) using Co-60 gamma radiation. The effect of various syntheses conditions on the grafting was determined. The solvent composition has a marked effect on the degree of grafting. Maximum yield was obtained in an equivolume mixture of a water-methanol system. The percent grafting increased with the increase in the monomer concentration up to 20 vol % in a total dose of 0.216 Mrad. The percent grafting was found to be higher at a lower dose rate for a constant total dose of 0.216 Mrad. The swelling of grafted chitosan films decreased on increasing graft level. The grafted copolymers showed improved blood compatibility as compared to original chitosan sample.