Blood typing is determined by the type of antigens or markers that are on the surface of red blood cells (either "A" or "B") and if there are antibodies to a portion of the blood type known as the Rh factor (either "positive" or "negative"). Blood type is inherited from and dependent upon, the blood type of an individual's parents. In the case of a transfusion, a person's blood type needs to be compatible with the donor's blood type or an allergic-type reaction can occur resulting from the immune system of the recipient attacking the incompatible donor blood cells as invading organisms.

When a woman is pregnant it is very important to know the Rh factor status. If a pregnant woman is Rh negative and her baby is Rh positive, the mother's immune system can sometimes attack the baby's blood cells because of the differing blood types. All pregnant women should routinely have a blood typing test done to see if they are at risk. This blood typing should generally be done as part of routine prenatal care. A subcutaneous injection of Rh D Immune Globulin can be given during pregnancy to prevent this immune cross-reaction, which may be harmful to the developing fetus.

This fast, easy to use blood typing kit contains everything required to determine blood group and Rh factor using a whole blood sample obtained from a finger prick without the need for separate reagents or laboratory training. The EldonCard is a patented test card device that comes specially treated and impregnated with dried antibody sera Anti-A, Anti-B and Anti-Rh used universally for determining Blood type by the forward typing method. Creates a Permanent Blood Type Record Card for medical histories and emergencies

Do you know your own blood type? Do you know your children's blood type? This potentially life saving information can be critical in a medical emergency or disaster crisis when immediate blood transfusion or replacement is required. Unfortunately, surveys indicate that the vast majority of people do not have this critical information either because they don't ask or because there is a notorious reluctance in the medical profession to inform patients of their chart details.

The EldonCard blood typing kit uses the basic forward antibody method of blood hematology to easily and quickly provide the user with their blood type (A, AB, B or O) and rhesus factor (Rh negative or Rh positive) in a few minutes without the need for special laboratory supplies or training. By simply comparing the results of blood sample coagulation on the pretreated areas of the test card with a graphic picture chart, correct blood grouping is known. The test card can then be filled out with personal identification information and laminated with the provided plastic sheet to make a permanent record. The EldonCard blood typing kit is also excellent for classroom instruction and other educational applications.

All pregnant woman and those who need a blood transfusion are highly recommended to determine their blood type, especially the Rh factor. All donated blood has a blood type test performed on the blood so that donor and recipient blood types match. Paternity testing often involves blood typing, which may or may not be able to prove if someone could be the parent of a child using the basic dominant/recessive gene matrix calculation. There are other, rarer indications for blood typing, such as genetic studies. For facts and figures of interest regarding blood grouping see the Blood Typing FAQ