Blood Groups

Question 1

List the investigations to be performed on the recipient’s blood before a blood transfusion can be performed (½x5 = 2½)

Answer 1

ABO grouping, Rh, Serum Abs screen (if positive – identification of Abs), Selection of compatible blood unit & compatibility testing

Question 2

Outline the steps that would be taken by the Blood Bank/ Blood Transfusion Laboratory to ensure that a patient receives compatible blood (3½) (NB)

Answer 2

The blood group of the patient is tested (ABO & Rh groups). Blood of the same group is taken from the store at the blood bank. A cross match is performed on this – testing the patient’s serum against the donor cells. There must not be any reaction.

Question 3

A mother is blood group O, the father is group AB, and the newborn baby is group O. What conclusion can you draw? [1]

Answer 3

The ‘father’ is not the father.