Blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Blood types are determined by antibodies and antigens in the blood. Antibodies in plasma identify and combat foreign substances, while antigens on red blood cells define blood type.
Blood types
Are a crucial classification system in healthcare, determining compatibility for blood transfusions and organ transplants.
There are four primary blood types:
A, B, AB, and O. These are identified based on the presence of antigens A or B and the Rh factor. This results in eight common blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, O-.
Rare Blood Types
Beyond the ABO system, there are over 600 antigens that may bind to red blood cells, leading to more than 30 distinct blood group systems. Some of these include the Duffy blood group, K antigen (Kell) group, Lutheran blood group, and Kidd blood group. These blood groups are considered rare, typically occurring at a rate of 1 per 1,000 people or less. One of the rarest blood types globally is Rh-null, with fewer than 50 individuals known to possess it, often referred to as "golden blood."
Blood type compatibility:
- A positive: Can receive A+, A-, O+, O-
- A negative: Can receive A-, O-
- B positive: Can receive B+, B-, O+, O-
- B negative: Can receive B-, O-
- AB positive: Can receive any blood type.
- AB negative: Can receive AB-, A-, B-, O-
- O positive: Can receive O+, O-
- O negative: Can only receive O-.
Recipient and Donors
- Blood type O negative (O-) serves as the universal donor, as it is compatible with all other blood types due to the absence of antigen markers recognized as foreign. This is especially vital in emergency situations.
- In the case of plasma donation, compatibility is assessed differently, with type AB being the universal plasma donor.
- Blood type AB positive (AB+) functions as the universal recipient, capable of safely receiving blood from any other blood type because its immune system does not react to potential anti gens.
To determine your blood type:
1. Consult Your Physician: Your doctor may have your blood type on record.
2. Donate Blood: Volunteering to donate blood, if eligible, can reveal your blood type while assisting others.
3. At-Home Blood Test Kits: You can purchase at-home blood test kits designed for blood type determination.
Blood typing involves mixing your blood sample with antibodies targeting antigens A or B on your red blood cells, a procedure conducted by blood bank specialists. These antibodies are proteins responsible for combating foreign substances, including unfamiliar antigens.
Regarding blood type's impact on pregnancy, if you are Rh-negative and carrying an Rh-positive fetus, complications can arise. Rh testing takes place during your initial obstetrician visit. If your body exhibits a reaction to Rh-positive red blood cells, it can result in your anti-Rh antibodies attacking the fetus's red blood cells. To prevent this, you will receive Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg), a medication that inhibits antibody attacks on the fetus 's blood.
By Andrew Anongu, DailyHealth.
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