Blood grouping: The process of classifying blood

The process of classifying blood into several blood groups based on the presence and absence of blood group antigens in the surface (membrane) of the RBCs and antibodies on the plasma is called blood grouping. Blood typing is a test done to tell you what blood group you have, for example, if you are planning on donating blood or need a transfusion. In this article, we will look at blood groups, the different blood grouping systems, blood transfusions and the Coombs’ tests, and the clinical correlations. Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens – substances that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body. Since some antigens can trigger a patient's immune system to attack the transfused blood, safe blood transfusions depend on careful blood typing and cross-matching. Do you know what blood type is safe for you if you need a transfusion? Blood type Blood type (or blood group) is determined, in part, by the ABO blood group antigens present on red blood cells. A blood type (also known as a blood group) is a classification of blood based on the presence and absence of antibodies and inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs).