Essay Blood Lab

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Pages: 5

Blood Lab Report

Introduction

A blood experiment was performed testing four different patients blood to find out their specific blood types. Blood types are categorized in four blood groups based upon the antigen ( proteins on the surface of blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system) ("Rh factor" 2006) on the surface of the red blood cell. The blood groups are A, B, AB and O, names which are broken down from the ABO blood group system. Although simulated blood was used for the experiment a standard blood typing outcome was still obtained. After conducting the experiment I was able to identify each patients blood type by comparing the antigens and antibodies found within the blood.

Materials and Methods

( American Red Cross) The testing was done very carefully and strategically but does not mean that the results could not yield from a possible error. Errors could have occurred from mixing to much antiserum with the respected blood types giving a false outcome. An error could also happen from not mixing serums well enough to get agglutination leading to the conclusion that the antigen was not present in the blood. According to all the data obtained I feel each individuals’ blood type was identified properly and carefully utilizing all materials and methods required.

Answers from questions in lab book: Based on what has been observed I think the antiserum contain antibodies against specific antigens located within the simulated blood. The blood type considered to be the universal donor is O- and the universal recipient is AB+. I believe that not all people with Rh negative blood have the antibodies for Rh positive blood but, I do think that your body is able to produce them when needed. A perfect example is an Rh negative woman who becomes pregnant with an Rh positive baby. A woman body may produce antibodies in response to the Rh positive baby. “If a small amount of the baby's blood mixes with your blood, which often happens, your body may respond as if it were allergic to the baby. Your body may make antibodies to the Rh antigens in the baby's