Blood typing/grouping

Apparatus and reagents

  • Antisera A, B, and D
  • Lancet
  • Clean grease-free glass slides
  • Microscope
  • Slide warmer
  • Dropper
  • Normal saline
  • Toothpick
  • Cotton swab
  • Alcohol

Principle

    The red cells contain different types of agglutinogens (antigens) and the plasma contains agglutinins (antibodies). In order to determine the blood group of a subject, the red cells are allowed to react with sera containing known agglutinins.

Reaction

      Agglutination results due to the reaction of agglutinogens with complementary antibodies or agglutinins.

Agglutinogens               +                     Agglutinins                =>                    Agglutination
      A                               +                     Antibodies A             =>                    Agglutination
      B                               +                     Antibodies B             =>                     Agglutination

Universal donor

A person with type O type i.e., B agglutinin but no agglutinogens

Universal recipients

A person with type AB i.e., A and B agglutinogens but no agglutinin.

Procedure

  1. Obtain a clean microscope slide and divide the glass slide into three equal parts with a glass marking pencil.
  2. Mark one end A, the other end B, and in the center D.
  3. Pre-warm the slide by placing it on a slide warming box.
  4. Lance the fingertip to obtain a good-sized blood drop.
  5. Place one drop of blood on each end of the marked slide and two drops in the center of the slide.
  6. Add 1 drop of anti-A serum to the A-side.
  7. Add 1 drop of anti-B serum to the B side.
  8. Add 1 drop of anti-d serum to the center of the slide marked as D.
  9. Mix the antiserum and blood with a toothpick.
  10. Spread each mixture over the slide slightly.
  11. Observe the slide for any agglutination of red cells by holding the slide from one end and tilting/rotating it in all directions by avoiding the mixing of the two sera.
  12. Inspect the sera first with the naked eye to see whether any clumping and agglutination have taken place or not. Confirm under the microscope.

Observation and result

 


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