The Rhesus Factor set of blood types.
10 most extreme places on Earth
The importance of blood type for a blood transfusion lies in
the risk of donor blood clumping in the recipient’s bloodstream, a
process called agglutination. The clumping of the red blood cells
can cause serious toxic reactions, often times leading to death in
the person receiving the transfusion. Agglutination is an immune
system-induced reaction that occurs in the presence of antibodies
that form against the donor’s red blood cells. In order to mitigate
agglutination, the donor and receiver’s blood types must be
compatible.
Blood types are determined by the presence of varied protein
molecules, most notably, antigens and antibodies. Antibodies are
found in the blood plasma, which is the liquid substrate for the
red blood cells, the oxygen-carrying components of the blood.
Antigens are found on the surface of each red blood cell. Each
individual has varying combinations of these antigens and
antibodies. Which combination is present depends largely on
heredity. For this reason, many blood transfusions take place
between the donor and siblings, parents, or other close family
members.
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The blood type for a blood transfusion is categorized by the
ABO blood typing system. Within this system, blood is classified
into four groups: A, B, AB, and O. Individuals who have the A blood
type have A-specific antigens on the surface of their red blood
cells and also have B-specific antibodies in their blood plasma.
The same pattern holds true for individuals with the B blood type;
they have B-specific antigens on their red blood cells and
A-specific antibodies in their plasma. Individuals with an AB blood
type have both A and B antigens on their red blood cells and no
antibodies in the plasma, whereas O blood type individuals have no
antigens whatsoever, but have both A and B antibodies in their
plasma.
Blood type for a blood transfusion is also important in
regards to another specific antigen, Rh, that adheres to the
surface of red blood cells as well. This antigen is referred to as
a factor. Individual who have the Rh antigen are referred to as Rh
positive (Rh+) and those who don’t are referred to as Rh negative
(Rh-). The Rh blood type for a blood transfusion is noted because a
person with Rh- blood does not have the corresponding Rh antibodies
in his or her plasma. If this person were to receive blood from a
Rh+ donor, a toxic reaction may likely occur.
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