Blood Typing Lab Pre-Lab printable pdf download

Blood Typing Lab

Pre-Lab

Name___________________________

Date ____________

Period_______

Introduction:

The study of the blood is termed hematology. Blood has three main functions: transportation,

regulation, and protection. Blood supplies cells with oxygen and nutrients while removing carbon

dioxide and other waste products. Specialized cells within blood protect us by fighting sources of

infection and coagulation prevents uncontrolled blood loss when we get injured. The blood also

safeguards body cells against other dangers such as extreme temperatures or acidity.

ABO AND Rh DETERMINATION

Red blood cells carry proteins on the erythrocyte (red blood cell or RBC) surface. In this lab

exercise we will focus on proteins A, B, and D (Rhesus). These proteins can function as antigens

(agglutinogens). Researchers have identified more than 100 erythrocyte antigens, each an

expression of an inherited gene and each performing a specific function. An individual who is

exposed to a foreign antigen (such as during an incompatible blood transfusion) may produce

specialized proteins whose purpose is the destruction of the foreign antigen. These proteins, which

are located in the serum fraction of the blood, are called antibodies. Once produced, an antibody can

remain in the circulation for many years, ready to bind foreign antigens if introduced into the blood.

Antibodies are specific; they will only bind to an antigen that is identical to the one that stimulated

their production. In order to determine your ABO blood type, we will use antibodies present within

anti-A and anti-B sera. If your blood type is A, the blood will agglutinate (clump) with the anti-A serum.

If your blood is type B, it will agglutinate with anti-B serum. If your blood is type AB, it will agglutinate

with both anti-A and anti-B sera. If your blood is type O (absence of proteins A and B), neither anti-A

nor anti-B sera will cause agglutination.

Human erythrocytes are also classified according to the Rh factor as either Rh positive (Rh +)

or Rh negative (Rh -), depending on whether the Rh antigen is present or absent. This antigen is

called the D-antigen. In order to determine the presence or absence of the Rh protein we will use

anti-D

Pre-Lab Questions:

Part 1: Introduction to development of process:

1. What technique did early doctors use to cure illnesses? Why was this technique

unsuccessful?

2. Once doctors discovered that blood was important in fighting disease, they

attempted to transfer blood from a healthy person directly into a sick person.

Sometimes, this was successful. Other times, the patient died. Why do you think

happened?

Blood Typing Lab Pre-Lab