Blood Typing

ABO grouping and Rho(D) typing are tests used to determine a person's blood type.

ABO grouping is a test that determines a person's blood type based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of their red blood cells. The ABO system has four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each of these blood types is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Rho(D) typing, also known as Rhesus (Rh) typing, is a test that determines whether or not a person has a specific antigen, called the RhD antigen, on the surface of their red blood cells. A person with the RhD antigen is Rh positive, and a person who does not have the RhD antigen is Rh negative.

ABO grouping and Rho(D) typing are essential in determining a person's blood type, which can be important information when a person needs a blood transfusion or when a woman is pregnant. If a woman is Rh-negative and her baby is Rh-positive, it can lead to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn, so the mother needs to be treated during the pregnancy to avoid this.

Knowing a person's blood type can be crucial in emergencies, such as when a person needs a blood transfusion or for specific medical procedures. It's also used in forensic science to identify suspects and paternity testing.