You colleague has a samples of blood that needs to be typed and supplies are running low so he decides it makes sense to use the same stiring stick to mix all the 3 wells (rather than a single stiring stick for each well). He determines the blood type is AB+. Do you think this this is correct? Why or why not. Provide a detailed and convincing explanation.
No, using the same stirring stick to mix multiple wells containing different blood samples would introduce cross-contamination and potentially lead to incorrect results. Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Mixing the blood samples with the same stirring stick could result in the transfer of antigens from one sample to another, leading to a misinterpretation of the blood type.
In the case of blood typing, it is essential to maintain strict standards of hygiene and avoid any possible sources of contamination. Using a separate stirring stick for each well helps to ensure that each blood sample remains isolated and does not come into contact with any other samples. This approach helps to prevent errors, maintain the integrity of the results, and ensure the accuracy of the blood typing process.
Therefore, it is crucial to use separate stirring sticks for each blood sample to maintain the validity and reliability of the results. Mixing multiple blood samples with the same stirring stick can introduce errors and compromise the accuracy of the blood typing process.