Determining blood type

[Kullervo]

Suppose you have a human tissue sample, cadaver or part thereof, but no blood is present. Can the blood type of the deceased be determined? It has to be encoded in the DNA somehow, doesn't it?

[Rolfe]

Almost certainly yes, they could determine what the DNA coded for as regards blood types. If I understood a lecture I attended recently.

Rolfe.

[athon]

There are many other receptors on the tissue that could be used in a similar manner, however. For instance, one such glycopeptide 'identifier' on all of your cells is called the Human Leukocyte Antigen, which falls into classifications much like blood types.

Athon

[Prester John]

For instance, one such glycopeptide 'identifier' on all of your cells is called the Human Leukocyte Antigen, which falls into classifications much like blood types

This is used for tissue typing. Commonly for determining how closely matched recipient and donor tissues are for transplants. It will give you a much more specific, virtually unique identifier for your tissue sample.