Forensic Chemistry of Blood Types

Grades 6-12.

Blood typing is a method of classifying blood based on the presence or absence of specific proteins, called antigena, on the surface of red blood cells. Blood type, an inherited characteristic, is valuable to know in that it affects medical procedures, such as surgery and transfusions, paternity testing, as well as serving as evidence in criminal investigations. Determining blood type can help provide supporting evidence or eliminate a possible suspect’s involvement in a crime. This activity includes a teacher’s manual, student guide, analysis copy-masters, blood typing trays, four simulated blood samples (victim, suspect #1, suspect #2, and crime scene), one set of ABO/Rh Blood Typing Anti-sera, and one package of mixing sticks. Enough materials for 15 groups.