Blood Basics
Blood Basics
http://www.bloodbankofalaska.org/about_blood/index.html
Genetics of Blood Types
• Your blood type is established before you are BORN,
by specific GENES inherited from your parents.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/blood/types.cfm
How common is your blood type?
46.1%
38.8%
11.1%
3.9%
Blood Transfusions
A blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood is given to a patient through an
intravenous (IV) line in one of the blood vessels. Blood transfusions are done to replace
blood lost during surgery or a serious injury. A transfusion also may be done if a person’s
body can't make blood properly because of an illness.
Rh + Can receive + or -
Rh - Can only receive -
Universal Recipient
Rh Factors
• Scientists sometimes study Rhesus monkeys
to learn more about the human anatomy
because there are certain similarities between
the two species. While studying Rhesus
monkeys, a certain blood protein was
discovered. This protein is also present in the
blood of some people. Other people, however,
do not have the protein.
• The presence of the protein, or lack of it, is
referred to as the Rh (for Rhesus) factor. A+ A-
• If your blood does contain the protein, your
blood is said to be Rh positive (Rh+). If your
B+ B-
blood does not contain the protein, your blood AB+ AB-
is said to be Rh negative (Rh-). O+ O-
http://www.fi.edu/biosci/blood/rh.html
Blood Evidence
• Blood samples – Can be analyzed to determine blood
type and DNA, which can be matched to possible
suspects.
Horse Blood
Human Blood
Dog Blood Snake Blood