Blood Lab

Understanding the types of blood cells and their identification through a microscope is essential for comprehending the intricacies of the human circulatory system and its vital functions. Additionally, blood typing is a fundamental technique used to assess compatibility for blood transfusions and determine genetic relationships. Understanding the types of blood cells and their identification through microscopic examination is a fundamental aspect of human anatomy and physiology. Moreover, blood typing techniques have far-reaching applications in medicine, from blood transfusions to genetic relationships. By mastering these concepts and techniques, you will gain valuable insights into the complexities of the human circulatory system and its broader implications for human health and well-being.

The human blood is composed of various types of cells suspended in a fluid called plasma. These cells can be broadly categorized into three main types: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Each type of blood cell possesses unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health.

Blood typing involves determining an individual's blood group by detecting specific proteins called antigens and antibodies present on the surface of red blood cells. In the context of paternity determination, blood typing can provide valuable information about potential fathers based on their blood group compatibility with the child. The two most common blood typing systems are the ABO system and the Rh system. The ABO system categorizes blood into four main types: A, B, AB, and O, based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens. The Rh system classifies blood as Rh positive (+) or Rh negative (-), depending on the presence or absence of the Rh antigen.

By comparing the blood types of the mother, child, and potential fathers, we can make inferences about biological paternity. We will explore the principles of blood typing, perform experiments, and interpret the results to identify potential fathers of the child.

Objectives

· To understand the different types of blood cells, their unique characteristics, and their roles in the human circulatory system.

· To learn how to identify and differentiate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets under a microscope based on their shape, size, and staining properties.

· To explore the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) and understand their functions in the immune response.

· To become familiar with the principles and techniques of blood typing, ABO and Rh systems.

· To learn how to perform blood typing experiments using specific antibodies and antigens to determine an individual's blood group.

· To understand the significance of blood typing in assessing compatibility for blood transfusions and determining genetic relationships.

· To apply blood typing techniques to a paternity determination scenario and interpret the results to identify potential fathers based on blood group compatibility with the child.

Materials

· Microscope

· Blood Microscope Slide

· Artificial Blood (5 different types)

· Artificial Blood antibodies

· Blood Typing Wells

· Toothpick

Blood Identification Activity

Describe the structure and function of a neutrophil.
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Take a micrograph with your device then draw a neutrophil, detailing cell shape and nucleus.

Describe the structure and function of a lymphocyte.

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Take a micrograph with your device then draw a lymphocyte, detailing cell shape and nucleus.

Describe the structure and function of a monocyte.

Take a micrograph with your device then draw a monocyte, detailing cell shape and nucleus.

Describe the structure and function of an eosinophil.
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Take a micrograph with your device then draw an eosinophil, detailing cell shape and nucleus.

Describe the structure and function of a basophil.
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Take a micrograph with your device then draw a basophil, detailing cell shape and nucleus.

Blood Typing Activity

1. Blood Typing

a. Carefully place a small portion of the collected blood in each corresponding well on the blood typing plate.

b. Ensure that the blood is correctly allocated to the respective wells representing A antigen, B antigen, and D antigen (Rh).

c. Place a small portion of anti-serum into each corresponding well; anti-A antibodies into the A well, anti-B antibodies into the B well, and anti-D antibodies into the D (Rh) well.

d. Gently mix the blood in each well using a clean toothpick. Be careful not to cross-contaminate the wells.

e. Allow the blood typing plates to incubate undisturbed for the 1 minute.

f. Repeat this for each blood sample with a clean plate and toothpicks.

2. Interpretation of Blood Types

a. Observe the agglutination reactions in each well after the specified incubation period.

b. Record the presence or absence of agglutination for each antigen (A, B, and D) for every participant.

i. If the blood clotted in a well then, the blood contains that antigen.

c. Determine the blood types of the mother, daughter, and potential fathers based on the observed agglutination patterns.

d. Compare the blood types of the potential fathers with that of the daughter to identify potential biological fathers.

e. Use the principles of blood type inheritance to support or refute the likelihood of each potential father being the biological father.

Fill in the typing results for the Mothers blood

Table 7: Maternal blood typing result

Fill in the typing results for the Daughters blood

Table 8: Daughters blood typing result

Fill in the typing results for the 1st Fathers blood

Table 9: 1st fathers blood typing result

Fill in the typing results for the 2nd Fathers blood

Table 10: 2nd fathers blood typing result

Fill in the typing results for the 3rd Fathers blood

Table 11: 3rd fathers blood typing result

Who could be the Daughters Father?

Table 12: Paternity results

Review Questions

1. What is the composition of human blood?
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2. What is the role of red blood cells in the body?
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3. How does the body regulate the number of red blood cells in the blood?
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4. What are the differences between the ABO blood types?
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5. Why is it important for blood donors to know their blood type?
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6. How would you design an experiment to test the effect of exercise on blood pressure?
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7. What is the normal range for blood pressure in adults?
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8. What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
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9. How does smoking affect the cardiovascular system and blood pressure?
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10. What are some of the causes and symptoms of anemia?
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