Blood Typing

Biology Lab
BLOOD TYPING
All blood contains red blood cells whose main job is to carry oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells make up almost 50% of the total blood volume. They are produced in our bone marrow and not only transport oxygen, but they take away CO2 and other wastes. Our blood also contains white blood cells which make up only about 1% of our total blood volume. Like the red blood cells, the white also are produced by our bone marrow. Our white blood cells are the first response of our immune system. They seek-out, identify, and destroy unwanted materials like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Our blood also contains cell fragments called platelets. Platelets release blood clotting chemicals at the site of wounds. They also can release coagulating chemicals which cause clots to form in the blood. Along with red/white blood cells and platelets, our blood also consists of a relatively clear liquid called plasma. The plasma in our blood is what keeps it in the form of a liquid. It carries minerals, hormones, and other nutrients throughout the bloodstream. Around 55% of our blood’s total volume is plasma. Our blood is determined by the type of antibodies and antigens in which we have. Antigens are foreign objects admitted into our bodies, like a virus, bacteria, or parasite. The antibodies are chemicals produced in response to the antigens. Each antibody is specific to its own antigen. If someone has both antibodies A and B, they contain no antigens and have blood type “O”. If someone has antibody-B, they contain antigen-A, and have blood type “A”. If someone has antibody-A they contain antigen-B, and have blood type “B”. If someone has neither Antibody-A or B then they contain no antigens and they have blood type “AB”. If someone was to receive the wrong blood type at the hospital the antigens from the person’s blood will be attacked by the antibodies in the new blood resulting in extreme illness and even death. Blood type “O” is the most wanted by hospitals because it contains no antigens so there is nothing to be attacked. Blood type “O” can be given to a patient with any blood type. Each parent donates one of their two ABO alleles to their child. A mother who is blood type “O” can only pass an “O” allele to her child. A father who is blood type “AB” can pass either an “A” or “B” allele to his child. There is the ABO system of blood typing and there is also the RH system. Many people also have an RH factor on the red blood cells surface. It is an antigen and those who have it are known as RH+, those without it are known as RH-. An RH- person does not have the RH antibodies in their blood plasma. If someone with RH- receives RH+ blood they can obtain the RH antibodies. If a person has RH+ blood they can receive RH- blood at the hospital without any difficulties. When the opposite blood type of the ABO system is given to a patient it can result in clumping and bunching of the red blood cells. The clumped cells can crack and cause toxic reactions. This was discovered by a man named Karl Landsteiner. For his discovery he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1930. Experiments in blood typing and blood transfusions have been carried out for hundreds of years. Many lives were lost and many were saved due to blood transfusions. Thanks to Karl Landsteiner we are now able to save the lives of millions of people every day.