Blood Group Test Procedure

Blood Group testing method is used to determine the blood group of the individual.

Aim

The primary objective of this experiment is to comprehend the fundamental principles of the ABO blood group system and determine our individual blood group and type.

Materials Required

The material required for testing blood group are:

(All equipment is available in a blood test toolkit)

• Toothpicks
• Blood sample
• Alcohol Swabs
• Lancet
• Clean glass slide
• Sterile cotton balls
• Biohazard disposal container
• Monoclonal Antibodies (Anti-A, B, and D)

Also Read: RBC and WBC

Procedure

Procedure to determine the blood group is as follows:

• Take a clean glass slide and mark three circles on it.
• Unpack the monoclonal antibodies (MAB) kit. Add Anti-A to the first circle, Anti-B to the second circle, and Anti-D to the third circle using a dropper.
• Place the slide aside without disturbance.
• Clean the ring finger with alcohol swabs and rub gently near the fingertip, the collection site for the blood sample.
• Use the lancet to prick the ring fingertip and wipe off the initial blood drop.
• Allow the blood to fall onto the three circles of the glass slide by gently pressing the fingertip as blood emerges.
• Apply pressure on the pricked site to stop blood flow, using a cotton ball if necessary.
• Gently mix the blood sample with a toothpick and wait for a minute to observe the reaction results.

Precautions

Precautions during blood group testing includes:

• Sterilization of equipment to prevent contamination.
• Verify accurate patient identification to prevent sample mix-ups.
• Dispose of biohazardous materials properly in designated containers.
• Handle samples and reagents gently during mixing to avoid errors.

Results of Blood Group Testing

Blood group testing results for A, B, AB, and O blood types are determined by observing agglutination reactions with specific antibodies. The possible outcomes of the blood test are:

• Blood Type A:
  • Anti-A Reaction: Positive (indicating the presence of A antigens).
  • Anti-B Reaction: Negative (indicating the absence of B antigens).
• Blood Type B:
  • Anti-A Reaction: Negative (indicating the absence of A antigens).
  • Anti-B Reaction: Positive (indicating the presence of B antigens).
• Blood Type AB:
  • Anti-A Reaction: Positive (indicating the presence of A antigens).
  • Anti-B Reaction: Positive (indicating the presence of B antigens).
• Blood Type O:
  • Anti-A Reaction: Negative (indicating the absence of A antigens).
  • Anti-B Reaction: Negative (indicating the absence of B antigens).
• Anti-D (Rh Factor) Reaction:
  • Positive: Presence of the Rh factor, determining a positive blood type (e.g., A+, B+).
  • Negative: Absence of the Rh factor, determining a negative blood type (e.g., A-, B-).

Also Read: ABO Blood Group and Rh Group System

The table showing the different types of blood groups along with its Rh factor.

Blood Group Testing determines a person’s blood type based on the presence or absence of specific antigens and antibodies in the blood. The blood test involves mixing a sample of blood with antibodies against type A and B blood. Common blood types are A, B, AB, or O, along with Rh-positive or Rh-negative. A blood sample is collected, and antibodies react with A, B, and Rh antigens to identify the blood group. Results help ensure safe blood transfusions, and organ transplants, and manage pregnancy risks.