ABO Blood Group Classification

Study Notes

ABO Blood Group

ABO group is a test performed to determine an individual's blood type, which is classified based on the inherited properties of red blood cells.
The classification is determined by the presence or absence of antigens A and B, which are carried on the outer surface of red blood cells, called agglutinogens.
The plasma contains antibodies called agglutinins.

Classification of ABO Blood Groups

Group A: has antigen A on red blood cells and anti-B antibody in the plasma.
Group B: has antigen B on red blood cells and anti-A antibody in the plasma.
Group AB: has both antigens A and B on red blood cells and neither anti-A nor anti-B antibody in the plasma.
Group O: has neither antigen A nor B on red blood cells and both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.

Rh Factor

Rh factor is an antigen found on the red blood cells of 80-85% of humans, also called Rh antigen or D antigen.
The antibody of D antigen is called anti-D antibody (anti-Rh antibody).
People who have the Rh antigen on their red blood cells are considered Rh positive, while those who do not have it are considered Rh negative (found in 15% of the population).

Importance of Blood Grouping

Blood transfusion for treatment purposes.
Determination of Rh incompatibility between the mother and child.
Choice of a donor in tissue/organ transplantation.
Genetic studies.

Determining Blood Group

To determine the blood group of a person, red blood cells are made to react with commercially available antisera containing known agglutinins.
The principle: a drop of blood is mixed with anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D serum and examined for agglutination.

Experiment Procedure

Sterilize the finger by 70% alcohol.
Make a puncture by lancet.
Put three drops of blood on a clean slide.
Add one drop of Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-D to each division (A, B, and D) respectively.
Mix by stick wood or glass rod.
Wait for two minutes until agglutination appears and read the results.

Results of the Experiment

(+) indicates agglutination.
(-) means no agglutination.

Description

This quiz covers the ABO blood group classification, which determines an individual's blood type based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on red blood cells. Learn about the inherited properties of red blood cells and how they relate to blood type.