BLOOD GROUP

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Specimen: 10 mL blood in plain tube; for some methods, blood in EDTA is preferred - consult pathologist. Careful labelling of tube, with correct patient details (name, date of birth, identification number) and collection date, is essential.

Method: ABO and Rh(D) typing performed routinely. Patient's red cells tested with anti-A and anti-B sera for ABO (forward) group; with anti-D antiserum for Rh(D) group. Patient's serum tested with A1 and B cells to check ABO (reverse) group. Tests based on detection of agglutination. See also BLOOD GROUP ANTIBODY SCREEN .

Application: Blood grouping is routine prior to transfusion, organ transplantation and in pregnancy. More extensive grouping (typing for other red cell antigens) may be necessary for patients requiring transfusion, when alloantibodies have been detected, and for assessment of risk of haemolytic disease of the newborn.

Interpretation: Pattern of agglutination determines ABO and Rh(D) blood groups.

Reference: Guidelines for Pre-transfusion Testing. 2nd ed. Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion 1993.

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