4. Blood Typing Flashcards
What determines a persons blood type
The presence of a specific antigen on the surface of the red blood cell
What are the major blood group systems?
ABO blood group and Rh blood group.
How can you remember your blood type based on antigens?
The blood type you are is the antigen found on the surface of your red blood cells. (e.g., Type A = antigen A on RBCs)
What are the four main blood types in the ABO system?
A, B, AB, and O.
What antibodies does each blood type have?
• Type A: Anti-B antibodies
• Type B: Anti-A antibodies
• Type AB: No antibodies (universal recipient)
• Type O: Anti-A & Anti-B antibodies (universal
What happens during blood typing?
Blood is treated with anti-A and anti-B sera to determine agglutination patterns.
Which blood type is the universal donor?
Type O.
Which blood type is the universal recipient?
Type AB
Why are antibodies important in blood transfusions
They can attack mismatched donor blood, causing dangerous immune reactions.
What determines Rh positivity or negativity?
Presence (Rh⁺) or absence (Rh⁻) of the D antigen on red blood cells.
Do people naturally produce Rh antibodies?
No, unless they are Rh- and become sensitized (exposed to) (e.g., during pregnancy or transfusion).
What determines Rh positivity or negativity?
Presence (Rh⁺) or absence (Rh⁻) of the D antigen on red blood cells.
Why is Rh compatibility important during pregnancy?
If an Rh- mother has an Rh+ baby, her immune system may develop anti-Rh antibodies after the first pregnancy.
What is Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)?
A condition where Rh antibodies from a sensitized Rh- mother attack the red blood cells of an Rh+ fetus.
How can HDN be prevented?
By administering RhoGAM (anti-Rh antibodies) to the Rh- mother right after her first delivery to prevent her immune system from making antibodies.
