Blood type tests are not just for blood transfusions. There are various other functions of knowing which blood type we have. Knowing your blood type is important because it is related to the interests of various medical measures, even those related to life safety.
At least, there are about four to six liters of blood in the human body. The blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In addition, certain protein molecules called antigens and antibodies also exist in human blood.
Antigen is a protein molecule that is on the surface of red blood cells, while antibodies are proteins found in blood plasma. Antigens are of two types, namely antigen A and antigen B. The presence or absence of the two antigens can affect a person's blood type or type, namely A, B, AB, or O.
Not only that, the presence or absence of rhesus (Rh) factor in blood can also determine human blood type. Rhesus factor (Rh) is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If the blood has Rh protein, it means that the blood type is Rh positive. But if there isn't, it means Rh is negative.
Why do you have blood type test?
Now, to determine blood type, a blood type test must be performed. Blood type tests need to be carried out especially:
- Before donating or donating blood.
- Before getting a blood transfusion.
- Before donating organs for transplant procedures.
- Before surgery.
- To indicate whether two people have blood relations (family).
- When a woman plans to get pregnant or first gets pregnant.
- To check the identity of someone suspected of committing a crime or assisting in legal proceedings.
It is very important to know your blood type because if someone is given blood that is not compatible or incompatible, blood clots can occur as a result of course fatal alias can cause death.
How is the Blood Type Test done?
Blood type tests are usually carried out in hospitals or laboratory clinics by skilled medical personnel. Before an injection is taken to take a blood sample, the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic to help prevent infection.
After that, the arms are wrapped or bandaged to make the blood vessels more visible. The needle is then injected into the arm or finger to take a small sample of blood. Finally, gauze and bandages are attached to the former injection site.
To determine blood type, laboratory technicians will mix blood samples with type A and B antigens. The point is to see how the blood and antibodies react to these antigens. For example, if a blood cell turns out to clot when mixed with anti-B antibodies, the blood is included in group A. Whereas if it clots after being given anti-A, it is included in blood type B.
After that, blood samples will be mixed with anti-Rh serum. If blood cells collect when mixed with anti-Rh serum, it means that the blood belongs to the Rh + group.
Have you known your own blood type? If not, let's test your blood type now at the nearest clinic or hospital.
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