IV: Blood Typing

1. Outline the Major Types of Blood:
A blood has a B Antibody and an A Antigen.
B blood has an A Antibody and a B Antigen.
AB blood has A and B Antibodies, but neither A or B Antigen. People with type AB blood can receive blood from any donor.
O blood has neither Antibody, but both A and B Antigens. People with O blood can donate blood to all of the other blood types.

2. Comment on Ability of Blood Mixing and Transfusions:
Blood mixing is an unsafe transfer of blood from one person to another, and should never be done! Blood mixing can cause blood clots and death. Diseases and viruses (ex. HIV) can be contracted through blood mixing, so don't do it! Blood transfusions, on the other hand, are safe, but should only be done by a licensed doctor. With blood transfusions there is no chance of contracting a disease and are safe.

3. What is meant by Positive or Negative Blood Types?
If a blood type is positive or negative is determined by if the blood has the Rhesus [Rh] protein. If Rh is in the blood, then it is positive. If Rh is not present in the blood, then it is negative.

4. Comments and Analysis on Lab Findings:
We were able to find the blood type by adding A and B Antibodies to the blood samples. We dropped two drops of blood on each end of the slide, then added A Antibodies to one sample of blood and B Antibodies to the other sample. We mixed the Antibodies into the blood until we saw a change (must common was the blood turning gelatinous). O-type blood won't change when either Antibody is introduced.