Question

What is serology? In ABO system of blood group, how the blood groups are determined by antigens.

Answer 1

Serology is the scientific study of serum and other bodily fluids. It includes, study or diagnostic examination of blood serum especially with regard to the response of the immune system to pathogens or other foreign substances.

The ABO blood group system is used in denote the presence of one, both or neither of the A and B antigen.

The $4$ major blood types are:-

$\bullet$ Type A has A antigen or red cells and B antibody in plasma

$\bullet$ Type B has B antigen on red cells and A antibody in the plasma

$\bullet$ Type AB has both A and B antigen on red cells but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma

$\bullet$ group O has neither A nor B antigen on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma)

$\bullet$ A blood sample is taken and mixed with antibodies against type A and B blood. Then the sample is checked to see whether or not the blood sticks together, it means the blood has reacted with one of the Antibodies.