Blood Typing Lab: Family Matters printable pdf download

Name:____________________________________

Period:_______

Date:___________

Forensic Science

Blood Typing Lab: Family Matters

Directions: During this lab activity, you will be working in teams to determine the blood types of four different

people. You will use your knowledge of blood typing and genetics to analyze this unique forensic case.

Background Story:

Jane, John, David and Rebecca are all orphans abandoned one snowy evening at the doorstep of the local

orphanage. While, it was always assumed that the four children were brothers and sisters by the staff, sharing the

same mother and father, it was never certain because the children were left with no identifying information. As the

orphans grew older, so did their curiosity about their familial history, and therefore, they decided that the first step

in obtaining answers would be to take a blood test.

As a serologist, a laboratory technician that studies bodily fluids, you have received all four orphan’s blood

samples. It is your responsibility to carefully analyze the samples for important identifying information that may

help in providing answers. Blood, in particular, can be analyzed for specific “blood types.” A person can be either

type A, B, AB or O, based on the proteins present on their red blood cells. However, before a blood sample can be

analyzed and tested for a specific blood type, one must first have a working knowledge of how blood type is

defined in humans.

1. Fill in the following chart, with information regarding each blood type:

Blood Type:

Possible Genotypes:

Antigens present on RBCs:

Antibodies present in

(specific allele makeup)

plasma:

A key to understanding how blood reacts during a blood typing test would be to understand the critical role

antibodies and antigens play in blood transfusions between different people. Doctors and nurses must know

exactly who can receive blood from a specific blood type and who can give blood to a specific blood type.

2. Explain why blood transfusions, must be completed with expert care and precision. Discuss the possible

consequences of negligent behavior- giving someone the wrong blood type as a transfusion on accident.

Blood Typing Lab: Family Matters