Blood Disorders

Question 1

What are the main blood groups in the ABO system?

Answer 1

The four main blood groups in the ABO system are A, B, AB, and O.

Question 2

What is the RhD blood group system?

Answer 2

The RhD blood group system determines whether a person is RhD positive or RhD negative, based on the presence or absence of the RhD antigen on red blood cells.

Question 3

How many different blood groups are there in total when considering both ABO and RhD systems?

Answer 3

There are 8 different blood groups when considering both the ABO and RhD systems: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.

Question 4

Which blood group is the most common in the UK population?

Answer 4

Blood group O is the most common in the UK population.

Question 5

Why can blood group O be safely given to any other group?

Answer 5

Blood group O has no A or B antigens, making it compatible with any other blood group.

Question 6

What percentage of the UK population is RhD positive?

Answer 6

85% of the UK population is RhD positive.

Question 7

What is the significance of RhD negative blood in medical emergencies?

Answer 7

O RhD negative blood can be safely given to anyone, making it essential in medical emergencies when the patient’s blood type is unknown.

Question 8

What is haematology?

Answer 8

Haematology is the study of blood in health and disease, including blood cells, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and proteins involved in clotting.

Question 9

What are haematologic diseases?

Answer 9

Haematologic diseases affect blood and blood-forming organs, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Question 10

What are lymphomas, and what are the two main types?

Answer 10

Lymphomas are blood and lymph tumours that develop from lymphocytes. The two main types are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Question 11

What are the typical symptoms of lymphoma?

Answer 11

Symptoms of lymphoma include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats.

Question 12

What is multiple myeloma?

Answer 12

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells that causes these cells to become malignant, multiply, and release damaging substances leading to organ damage.

Question 13

How is multiple myeloma treated?

Answer 13

Treatment for multiple myeloma includes stem cell transplants and chemotherapy, which can lead to remission, although there is no cure.

Question 14

What is leukaemia?

Answer 14

Leukaemia is a blood cancer where the white blood cells become malignant and multiply abnormally, leading to high numbers of abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow.

Question 15

What are the two main types of leukaemia?

Answer 15

The two main types of leukaemia are acute leukaemia, which is rapid and severe, and chronic leukaemia, which is slow-progressing.

Question 16

What is sickle cell disease (SCD), and how does it affect red blood cells?

Answer 16

Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder where abnormal haemoglobin causes red blood cells to become stiff, sticky, and sickle-shaped, leading to blockages, pain, and organ damage.

Question 17

What is the main treatment for sickle cell disease?

Answer 17

The treatment for sickle cell disease includes antibiotics, painkillers, and blood transfusions.

Question 18

What is thalassemia, and how does it affect the body?

Answer 18

Thalassemia is an inherited anaemia disorder caused by decreased haemoglobin production. It can result in a need for blood transfusions in some cases.

Question 19

What is the most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia?

Answer 19

The most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia are blood loss, insufficient dietary intake, or poor absorption of iron from food.

Question 20

What is neutropenia, and what is its main risk?

Answer 20

Neutropenia is a condition where there is a low concentration of neutrophils in the blood, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infections.