Blood Type

In order to identify the blood type of an individual, we make use of the basic
physiological elements found in the blood - the antigens on the erythrocytes and the
antibodies found in the plasma. In blood typing, we will mix the erythrocytes from
an individual with known antibodies. These antibodies are raised from a monoclonal
population of the B-cells that create each type of antibody - so we have separate bottle
of Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-D antibodies (these solutions are also known as anti-
sera).

As you'll find in lab, the actual typing of blood is quite simple - Take a drop of blood
and mix it with one of the anti-sera listed above. To help avoid confusion, each of
the anti-sera contains a different color dye - blue for Anti-A, yellow for anti-B, and
clear for anti-D. Use a separate drop of blood, mix it with the next anti-sera, and so
on.

Interpreting the results often gets a little more complicated when you first attempt it.
The important thing to keep in mind: If you see agglutination (clumping) - the
antibody in question has found an antigen to interact with. This is where you have to
"forget" for a moment the fact that YOUR body makes antibodies in response to
foreign antigens. In the cases illustrated below, we have two different drops of blood
added into anti-B serum.

MATERIALS USED IN CARRYING OUT BLOOD GROUP TEST

 TILE
 MICRO-PIPETTE
 ANTISERA (A, B, AND D, FOR ABO BLOOD GROUPING SYSTEM)
 BLOOD SAMPLE
 STIRRER

PROCEDURE
A drop of anti-B and anti-D antisera were placed separately on sterile tile. A
drop of blood sample was then added to the antisera. The blood sample was
mixed with the antisera using the stirrer and each mixture was spread on the tile
of 10 -15 mm diameter area. Then the reaction was left for agglutination to
occur. The report is reported in patient’s form as blood group Rh ‘D’ positive
or negative.
 .

The sample on the left has agglutinated (or clumped), while the sample on the right shows no
reaction. Agglutination occurs as the antibodies bind to the antigen on the erythrocyte's
membrane and cross-link several erythrocytes together. They are then relatively heavy and drop
out of solution. The very sharp line of demarcation between the blood and the anti-sera is a good
sign to watch for (blood cells that simply settle to the bottom of the tray don't show that very
sharp distinction - that's seen on the right). Since this is serum directed against the B antigen, the
blood on the left must express the B antigen, while the blood on the right does not. Therefore,
the blood on the left is either Type B or Type AB blood (note that since I didn't show you the
reaction to the anti-A serum, you can't decide if this person is type B or type AB). The blood on
the right cannot be type B or type AB, but may be either type O or type A (once again, you
will need to see the reactions that occur when the erythrocytes are mixed with the
anti-A before this can be determined).

To make life a little easier, here is a table listing the reactions and what they mean:

If your blood agglutinates in: You are blood type:

Anti-A, but not Anti-B A
Anti-B, but not Anti-A B
Anti-A and Anti B AB
Neither Anti-A or Anti-B O
Anti-D Rh positive
CONCLUSION
The testing of blood types is a major requisite in blood transfusion to
individuals in need of blood. Although the O Rh neg. blood type is the rarest
(occurring in less than 1% of the world’s population), it is the most desired by
health workers since it is termed a ‘universal donor’ and acceptable by all
blood types.

CLOSING REMARKS
My experience during the period of industrial training has been an enriching
one. The SIWES scheme is indeed an innovative concept, looking back I am
glad I worked at International Clinic and Hospital. I acquired relevant
experience in all the diagnosis of blood sample likewise examination of
biochemical analysis.