Blood groups
Blood groups
Blood groups (pronunciation: /blʌd gruːps/) are classifications of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, depending on the blood group system.
Etymology
The term "blood group" is derived from the English words "blood" and "group". "Blood" comes from the Old English "blod", and "group" comes from the Italian "gruppo", which was first used in this context in the early 20th century.
Types of Blood Groups
There are four main blood groups (types of blood) – A, B, AB and O. Each group can be either RhD positive or RhD negative, which means in total there are eight main blood groups.
- A: The surface of the red blood cells contains A antigen, and the plasma has anti-B antibody. Anti-B antibody would attack blood cells that contain B antigen.
- B: The surface of the red blood cells contains B antigen, and the plasma has anti-A antibody. Anti-A antibody would attack blood cells that contain A antigen.
- AB: The red blood cells have both A and B antigens, but the plasma does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies. Individuals with type AB can receive any ABO blood type.
- O': The plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, but the surface of the red blood cells does not contain any A or B antigens. Since these antigens are not present, a person with any ABO blood type can receive this type of blood.
Rh factor
The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Most people are Rh-positive. Those who do not have the Rh factor are Rh-negative.
Importance of Blood Groups
Knowing your blood group is important for blood transfusions and pregnancy. During blood transfusions, the blood groups must be compatible to avoid a reaction. In pregnancy, if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, it can lead to Rhesus disease.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blood groups
- Wikipedia's article - Blood groups
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