BLOOD TYPES - ABO and Rh Blood Group Systems

Summary

This video explains the critical role of blood types in transfusions, focusing on the ABO and Rh systems. It describes how blood types are determined by the presence of specific antigens and antibodies on red blood cells and in serum. The ABO system classifies blood into four types (A, B, AB, O), while the Rh system adds the factor of the D antigen, influencing compatibility. The video also discusses universal donors and recipients, plasma compatibility, and rare cases where blood type can change due to certain conditions, ensuring a deeper understanding of transfusion safety and risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blood types are classified based on the presence of specific antigens and antibodies on red blood cells.
• 😀 The ABO blood group system involves antigens A and B, and antibodies A and B, which determine compatibility for transfusions.
• 😀 People with blood type A have antigen A and antibody B, while those with blood type B have antigen B and antibody A.
• 😀 Blood type AB has both antigens A and B but no antibodies, while blood type O has neither antigen but both antibodies A and B.
• 😀 If antibody A encounters antigen A or antibody B encounters antigen B, agglutination (clumping) occurs, which is harmful.
• 😀 Rh system involves 50 antigens, with the D antigen being the most significant for transfusion reactions.
• 😀 The presence of the D antigen results in a positive Rh status (e.g., B+), while its absence results in a negative status (e.g., B-).
• 😀 A D-negative person without prior sensitization can receive D-positive blood once, but future transfusions may cause dangerous reactions.
• 😀 Rh incompatibility can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn if a D-negative woman receives D-positive blood.
• 😀 O-negative blood is the universal donor, while AB-positive is the universal recipient for red blood cells.
• 😀 Plasma compatibility is the reverse of red blood cell compatibility; type O can donate plasma to anyone, while type AB can only donate plasma to AB recipients.

Q & A

What are blood groups based on?

Blood groups are classified based on the presence of specific antigens on red blood cells and the antibodies found in the serum. There are 38 blood group systems, with ABO and Rh being the most significant for blood transfusion compatibility.

What are the main antigens involved in the ABO blood group system?

The ABO blood group system involves two main antigens: antigen A and antigen B, which are found on the surface of red blood cells.

What antibodies are present in the serum of people with different blood types?

People with blood type A have antibody B, people with blood type B have antibody A, people with blood type AB have no antibodies, and people with blood type O have both antibody A and antibody B.

What happens if incompatible antibodies and antigens meet?

If an antibody encounters its corresponding antigen, an agglutination reaction occurs, where blood cells clump together, which can be dangerous and lead to a transfusion reaction.

Why is the Rh system important in blood transfusion?

The Rh system, especially the D antigen, is important because the presence or absence of the D antigen determines Rh compatibility. Rh incompatibility can cause severe immune reactions if mismatched blood is transfused.

What is the significance of the Rh D antigen?

The Rh D antigen is the most significant in the Rh blood group system. Its presence means the individual is Rh positive, while its absence means they are Rh negative. This antigen plays a crucial role in transfusion compatibility and immune reactions.

What is the difference between Rh positive and Rh negative individuals in terms of blood transfusions?

Rh positive individuals can receive both Rh positive and Rh negative blood without issues. However, Rh negative individuals can only receive Rh negative blood without risking sensitization, which could lead to a harmful immune response in future transfusions.

What is the risk associated with Rh negative women receiving Rh positive blood?

If a Rh negative woman receives Rh positive blood, especially during pregnancy or transfusion, it can lead to sensitization and the development of antibodies against Rh positive blood. This can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn in future pregnancies.

Why is O negative blood considered the universal donor?

O negative blood is considered the universal donor because it has no A, B, or Rh antigens on the red blood cells, so it does not trigger immune reactions when transfused to individuals with different blood types.

How does plasma compatibility differ from red blood cell compatibility?

Plasma compatibility is the inverse of red blood cell compatibility. For example, a person with blood type O can receive plasma from any blood type, while a person with blood type AB can only receive plasma from others with blood type AB.