Blood Typing with Saliva Kit

The Blood Typing with Saliva Kit is an experiment that allows students to investigate ABO blood groups without blood samples. Using their own saliva samples, many students can determine their blood type while observing the biological reactions that reveal blood group characteristics. This hands-on activity helps learners explore genetics, human biology, and medical laboratory science.

Determine Blood Type Using Saliva

Students perform a noninvasive experiment by analyzing their own saliva samples. About 80% of individuals are secretors, meaning their saliva contains blood group antigens that can be used to identify their ABO type. This investigation allows students to safely explore blood group identification without traditional blood collection.

Observe Real Agglutination Reactions

The kit includes real antisera that demonstrate classic ABO agglutination reactions, allowing students to observe how antibodies interact with specific antigens. A lectin solution is also included to demonstrate agglutination of type O cells, helping students visualize the immune reactions used in laboratory testing.

Explore Genetics and Inheritance

This activity encourages discussion about phenotypes, genotypes, and inheritance probabilities as students interpret their results. Learners can connect their findings to the genetics behind blood groups and explore how traits are inherited through families.

Connect Lab Investigations to STEM Careers

Students begin thinking like professionals in fields such as medicine, clinical laboratory science, biology, biochemistry, physiology, and forensic science. The activity demonstrates how biological testing methods are used in healthcare and investigative science.

Classroom-Ready Lab Investigation

The kit includes an enhanced instructor's manual with background information, reproducible student worksheets, and answer keys to support instruction. Antisera and blood cells are perishable and should be refrigerated to extend shelf life. Blood cells and lectin ship with temperature protection and must be used within 20 days of receipt. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for High School and up.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

CHOKING HAZARD (1). Not for under 3 yrs.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Demonstrates blood group identification through safe, non-invasive testing
• Helps students visualize antigen and antibody reactions through agglutination
• Introduces genetics concepts such as inheritance and phenotype expression
• Builds laboratory skills in sample analysis and scientific observation
• Connects biology and chemistry concepts to real healthcare practices
• Encourages exploration of careers in medicine, laboratory science, and forensics

Give students a safe and engaging way to investigate human genetics and explore real laboratory science.

Kit includes:

• MSDS, 1 Ea
• Antiserum A, 1 Ea
• Antiserum B, 1 Ea
• 0.9% Saline Solution, 1 Ea
• Student Data Sheet, 1 Ea
• Instructor's Manual, 1 Ea
• Reply Card for Type A, B, and O Red Blood Cells & H Lectin, 1 Ea

*Upon arrival, store reply card materials in the refrigerator until use; cells will last up to 20 days when stored properly

Materials needed, but not included:

• Centrifuge Test Tubes, 126 Ea
• Plastic Pipettes, 30 Ea
• Hot Plate, 1 Ea
• Disposable Cups, 6 Ea
• 600 mL Beakers, 2 Ea
• Water, 1 Ea
• Test Tube Tongs, 6 Ea
• Disposable Gloves, 1 Ea
• Centrifuge, 1 Ea
• 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol, 1 Ea
• Permanent Labeling Pen, 1 Ea
• Test Tube Racks, 6 Ea
• Compartmentalized Trays, 6 Ea
• Stereo Microscope (suggested), 1 Ea