Expert: Walter Hintz - 8/5/2005

Question
I have been asked to do a science class in our private school, and I was wondering what it takes to determine bloodtypes.
Also, and this is for my own peace of mind too, and the question I REALLY want the answer to (the other is not a big deal), how do they find out how much carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, fiber, etc. are in my food? Is this something I can do? What would I need?

Thanks for your time,
Oren

Answer
Hi Oren
In order to type blood you need blood typing sera. All biological supply companies have blood typing kits.  Try Carolina Biological Supply (www,carolina.com) or Wards Science.(www.wardsci.com) Wards has a nice kit using simulated blood typing of ABO and Rh factors.  It is a discovery Lab where students determine types of fictitious people. I suggest that you use something like this rather that typing your students. I have typed my college students but I would not do it with high school or elementary students. Taking blood from them is a bad idea.
As to your question an about the study of foods, finding out about the content involves a lot of lab work with special materials.  You may be able to purchase some kind of a kit for this. If you just want to find out about the foods you are eating just look at the labels.