There Are Millions of Blood Types

Summary

This video delves into the complexity of blood types, explaining how they are determined by antigens present on red blood cells. While most people are familiar with the basic ABO and Rh groups, there are actually over 600 known blood antigens, creating millions of potential blood types. The video explores rare blood types, like Rh null, and how their existence impacts blood transfusions. It also highlights how our immune systems respond to these antigens and the ways doctors ensure blood compatibility. Despite these complexities, the ABO-Rh system generally ensures safe transfusions, even for those with rare blood types.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your blood type is determined by the antigens present on your red blood cells, which can trigger an immune response.
• 😀 There are over 600 known blood antigens, with only 8 common blood types (A, B, AB, O, and their Rh variants).
• 😀 The ABO blood group system is based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells.
• 😀 Rh blood types (positive or negative) depend on the presence of the Rh antigen (Rh(D)) on your red blood cells.
• 😀 Blood compatibility is typically determined by ABO and Rh groupings, but there are millions of potential blood types due to other antigens.
• 😀 Some rare blood types exist, such as Rh null, which has no Rh group antigens, making it extremely rare and challenging for transfusions.
• 😀 Having no antigens from certain blood groups, like Duffy, can offer resistance to diseases like malaria, but may also complicate transfusions.
• 😀 The Diego blood group consists of two key antigens, and lacking them has only been seen in one documented case, which can affect kidney and lung functions.
• 😀 Modern blood matching techniques, like screening for antibodies and crossmatching, ensure safe transfusions even for rare blood types.
• 😀 The ABO-Rh system is highly effective for most blood transfusions, providing a 99.8% compatibility rate between donor and recipient blood.
• 😀 Even rare blood types can be matched globally through initiatives like the International Rare Donor Panel, ensuring that people get the blood they need.

Q & A

What determines your blood type?

Your blood type is determined by the antigens present on the surface of your red blood cells. These antigens are proteins or molecules that can trigger an immune response.

What are the ABO and Rh blood groups?

The ABO blood group is based on the presence of A and B antigens on red blood cells, which define blood types as A, B, AB, or O. The Rh group refers to the presence or absence of the Rh antigen, leading to positive or negative blood types, such as AB+ or AB-.

Why are there so many blood types beyond ABO and Rh?

There are over 600 known blood antigens, and these are part of 36 recognized blood group systems. The complexity arises because each individual can have different combinations of these antigens, leading to millions of possible blood types.

How does the Rh blood group affect blood transfusions?

The Rh blood group determines whether your blood is positive or negative. The Rh antigen (RhD) can impact the compatibility of blood transfusions, as individuals with Rh-negative blood may have antibodies against Rh-positive blood, making crossmatching crucial.

What is Rh null blood, and why is it so rare?

Rh null blood is a rare type that lacks all Rh antigens, including the RhD antigen. Only about 50 people worldwide are known to have Rh null blood, making it extremely rare and challenging for transfusions because it is not compatible with most other blood types.

How can having no antigens in the Diego group be dangerous?

Having no antigens in the Diego group, a blood group linked to lung and kidney function, is extremely rare. People lacking these antigens may face serious health risks, and they can only receive blood from very specific donors to avoid immune reactions.

Why is it beneficial to lack Duffy antigens in some cases?

Lacking Duffy antigens can provide resistance to malaria, as the parasite that causes malaria uses these antigens to enter red blood cells. However, this resistance can complicate blood transfusions because Duffy-negative individuals might react to blood with Duffy antigens.

How effective is the ABO-Rh system for blood transfusions?

The ABO-Rh system is highly effective for blood transfusions, with a 99.8% compatibility rate when matching blood types. This is because the system covers the most significant antigens for blood compatibility, though rare types require additional testing.

What additional steps do doctors take to ensure blood compatibility in rare cases?

Doctors may perform screening for unexpected antibodies and crossmatching, where your blood is mixed with a donor’s to check for reactions. These methods increase the safety margin for transfusions to 99.95%.

How does the International Rare Donor Panel help people with rare blood types?

The International Rare Donor Panel works to connect people with rare blood types to compatible donors around the world. For example, if someone with a rare blood type needs a transfusion, their blood can be sourced from a donor miles away, ensuring they receive a match.