Your blood type, which is inherited from your parents, falls into one of four primary categories: A, B, AB, or O. Each of these can also be either RhD positive or RhD negative, resulting in eight distinct blood types (A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, O-).
Blood composition involves red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Your specific blood type is defined by the unique antibodies (immune system proteins in plasma that identify foreign substances) and antigens (protein molecules on the surface of red blood cells) it contains.
The ABO Blood System:
- Group A: Has A antigens and anti-B antibodies.
- Group B: Has B antigens and anti-A antibodies.
- Group O: Lacks both A and B antigens but contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies. (This is the most common type, accounting for about 48% of the UK population).
- Group AB: Possesses both A and B antigens but no antibodies.
Administering an incompatible ABO blood type can be dangerous. For instance, giving Type A blood to someone with Type B blood would trigger a severe immune response because their anti-A antibodies would attack the Type A cells. Conversely, Type O red blood cells are considered universal donors for ABO compatibility because they lack A and B antigens, making them safe for any ABO blood group.
The Rh System:
Beyond ABO, red blood cells may also carry the RhD antigen. If present, your blood is RhD positive; if absent, it’s RhD negative. This factor creates the eight specific blood types. O RhD negative (O-) blood is particularly valuable in emergencies as it lacks A, B, and RhD antigens, making it generally safe for most recipients regardless of their specific blood type.
Blood Group Testing:
To determine your blood type, a blood sample is mixed with various antibody solutions.If your red blood cells clump, it indicates the presence of the corresponding antigen.
For example, clumping with anti-B antibodies means you have B antigens, hence Type B blood. If no reaction occurs with anti-A or anti-B antibodies, your blood is Type O. Further tests confirm the precise type.
Before any blood transfusion, compatibility checks are performed by testing your blood against the donor’s blood to ensure a match with both their ABO and RhD types. A successful transfusion proceeds only when no adverse reaction is observed.
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