Blood group systems Flashcards

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1
Q

define blood group system

A

Blood Group Systems refer to the classification of human blood based on specific antigens present on the surface of red blood cells (erythrocytes)

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2
Q

mention the 2 most important blood groups

A
  1. ABO blood group system
  2. Rhesus factor (Rh) blood group system
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2
Q

What are the four main blood types in the ABO system?

A

The four main blood types are A, B, AB, and O.

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3
Q

Which antigens are present on the surface of type A red blood cells?

A

Type A red blood cells have A antigens (also known as agglutinogens) on their surface.

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4
Q

If someone has type B blood, which antibodies are naturally present in their plasma

A

anti-A antibodies in their plasma.

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5
Q

Can a person with type O blood donate to anyone? Why or why not?

A

Yes, individuals with type O blood are universal donors because their red blood cells lack both A and B antigens. However, they can only receive type O blood.

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6
Q

What happens if a person with type A blood receives a transfusion of type B blood?

A

If a person with type A blood receives type B blood, agglutination (clumping) occurs due to the interaction between anti-B antibodies in the recipient’s plasma and B antigens on the transfused red blood cells. This can be dangerous

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7
Q

Which blood type is considered the universal recipient? Why?

A

Type AB is the universal recipient because individuals with type AB blood have no naturally occurring antibodies against A or B antigens. They can receive blood from any ABO group.

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7
Q

What is the Rh factor, and how does it relate to the ABO system?

A

The Rh factor (Rhesus factor) is another antigen present on red blood cells. It is either positive (Rh+) or negative (Rh-). The ABO system and Rh factor are independent, but they can interact. For example, someone with A+ blood has both A antigens and Rh factor.

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8
Q

Can a person with type O negative (O-) blood donate to anyone?

A

Yes, individuals with O- blood are universal donors for both ABO and Rh compatibility. They lack A, B, and Rh antigens.

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9
Q

What is the Bombay blood group, and why is it rare?

A

The Bombay blood group (hh) is extremely rare. People with this blood type lack both A and B antigens as well as the H antigen (the precursor to A and B antigens). They can only receive blood from other Bombay blood group individuals

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10
Q

Explain the concept of agglutination in blood typing

A

Agglutination occurs when antibodies in the recipient’s plasma react with antigens on transfused red blood cells, causing them to clump together. This can lead to serious complications in transfusions.

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11
Q

What does the term “Rh factor” refer to in blood typing?

A

The Rh factor, also called the Rhesus factor, is an antigen present on the surface of red blood cells. It is either positive (Rh+) or negative (Rh-)

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11
Q

Which blood type is considered the universal donor for Rh compatibility?

A

Individuals with O- (O negative) blood are universal donors for both ABO and Rh compatibility. They lack A, B, and Rh antigens.

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12
Q

If a person with Rh- blood receives Rh+ blood during a transfusion, what can happen?

A

If an Rh- individual receives Rh+ blood, their immune system may produce antibodies against the Rh antigen. This can lead to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in subsequent transfusions.

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13
Q

What is the significance of the “D antigen” in the Rh system?

A

The D antigen (Rh factor) is the most important Rh antigen. If a person lacks the D antigen (Rh-), they are considered Rh-negative.

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14
Q

Why is Rh incompatibility particularly concerning during pregnancy?

A

Rh incompatibility between a Rh- mother and a Rh+ fetus can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The mother’s antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells, causing anemia and other complications.

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15
Q

Can an Rh- person receive Rh+ blood in an emergency situation?

A

In emergencies, Rh- individuals can receive Rh+ blood, but steps must be taken to prevent sensitization (formation of antibodies). Rhogam (anti-D immunoglobulin) is administered to prevent antibody production.

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16
Q

How does Rh incompatibility affect subsequent pregnancies?

A

If an Rh- woman has been sensitized (developed anti-Rh antibodies) during a previous pregnancy, subsequent pregnancies with Rh+ fetuses can result in severe HDN. Close monitoring and Rhogam administration are crucial.

16
Q

What is the prevalence of Rh-negative blood types in the population?

A

Rh-negative blood types are less common. Approximately 15% of the global population is Rh-negative.

17
Q

Can an Rh+ person donate to an Rh- recipient?

A

Yes, Rh+ individuals can donate to Rh- recipients without causing immediate adverse reactions. However, long-term sensitization can occur if repeated transfusions are needed.

18
Q

3 characteristics of antigen A of ABO blood system

A
  1. Found on RBC of individual with A or AB blood type
  2. Composed of N-acetylgalactomine and galactose sugars
  3. B1 subtype is more common than than B12
18
Q

How does Rh typing differ from ABO typing in blood transfusion?

A

ABO typing determines the presence of A, B, AB, or O antigens, while Rh typing specifically identifies the Rh factor (D antigen). Both systems are essential for safe blood transfusions.

19
Q

3 characteristics of antigen B of ABO antibodies

A
  1. found on RBC of individual with B or AB blood type
  2. Composed of galactose and fuctose sugar
  3. B1 subtype is more common than B2
20
Q

3 characteristics of anti-A antibody of ABO blood system

A
  1. found in plasma of individuals with B or O blood group
  2. React with A antigen
  3. IgM and IgG subclasses
21
Q

3 characteristics of anti-B antibody of ABO blood system

A
  1. Found in plasma of indivisuals with A or O blood type
  2. Reacts with B antigen
  3. IgM and IgG subclasses
22
Q

2 characteristics of Rh D antigen of Rh blood system

A
  1. Highly immunogenic
  2. It is present on RBC of RH + individual and absent on Rh - individual
23
Q

Examples of genotypic phenomena expressed as atypical blood groups of ABO

A
  1. A3. Results in a weak A antigen expression due to reduced glycosyltransferase activity
  2. B3. This variant results in a weak B antigen expressed as A3 above. B antigen is present, but its modified and appears like A antigen.
  3. A2. This variant Results into reduced A antigen expression due to glycosyltransferase specificity.
  4. B2. The variant results in reduced B Antigen but expressed as A2
23
Q

3 characteristics of Rh D antibodies of Rh blood system

A
  1. Forms response in Rh- individuals
  2. IgG subclass
  3. cross the placenta and cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in Rh-negative mothers carrying Rh-positive babies
24
Q

Examples of genotypic phenomena expressed as atypical blood groups of Rh

A

RHD: Weak D antigen expression due to reduced protein expression.
RHCE: Weak C/c and E/e Antigen Expression due to reduced protein expression.
RHD-CE-D: Compound heterozygote for RHD and the RHCE variants.
Rh null: Complete absence of Rh antigens due to a genetic deletion

25
Q

How does the genotype of a person with the Bombay blood group differ from the typical ABO genotypes?

A

In the Bombay blood group, the individual has two nonfunctional alleles (h) for the H gene. This prevents the synthesis of the H antigen, leading to the absence of A and B antigens.

26
Q

If a person with the Bombay blood group needs a blood transfusion, what type of blood can they receive

A

Individuals with the Bombay blood group can only receive blood from other Bombay blood group individuals. They cannot receive blood from any of the typical ABO groups.

27
Q

Describe the genotypic basis for the “para-Bombay” phenotype

A

The para-Bombay phenotype results from a genotype where the individual has one functional H allele (H) and one nonfunctional H allele (h). They express very weak H antigen, which leads to discrepancies/inconsistencies in blood typing.

28
Q

What is the genotype of a person with the “Oh” phenotype (weak A or weak B)?

A

The “Oh” phenotype occurs when an individual has a weak expression of either A or B antigens due to mutations in the respective glycosyltransferase genes. Their genotype may be Ax or Bx (where x represents a weak allele).

28
Q

How does the genotype of an individual with the “Oh” phenotype differ from typical ABO genotypes?

A

In the “Oh” phenotype, the individual carries a variant allele (Ax or Bx) that results in reduced enzymatic activity. As a result, their red blood cells exhibit weaker A or B antigen expression.

29
Q

How does the cis-AB genotype affect blood typing results

A

Cis-AB individuals may show mixed reactions in blood typing tests, as their red blood cells can agglutinate with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies. Specialized serological techniques are needed to accurately determine their blood type.

29
Q

Can an individual with the “Oh” phenotype donate blood to someone with a typical ABO blood group

A

Yes, individuals with the “Oh” phenotype can usually donate blood to recipients with typical ABO blood groups. However, compatibility should be confirmed through crossmatching.

29
Q

Explain the concept of “cis-AB” in the ABO system.

A

Cis-AB refers to a rare genotype where an individual carries both A and B alleles on the same chromosome (cis configuration). Their red blood cells express both A and B antigens simultaneously

30
Q

How does the genotype of an Rh-null person differ from typical Rh-positive individuals?

A

In Rh-null individuals, both alleles for the Rh gene (RHD and RHCE) are nonfunctional or absent. This contrasts with Rh-positive individuals who have functional alleles for Rh antigens.

30
Q

What is the genotype of an individual with the “Rh-null” phenotype?

A

The “Rh-null” phenotype results from a rare genotype where the individual lacks all Rh antigens (including the D antigen). Their red blood cells do not express any Rh antigens. The genotype for Rh-null individuals is typically rr (homozygous recessive).

31
Q

What challenges do Rh-null individuals face in terms of blood transfusions?

A

Rh-null individuals can only receive blood from other Rh-null donors. Finding compatible blood is extremely difficult due to the rarity of this phenotype.

32
Q

Describe the “Rh-mod” phenotype and its genotypic basis.

A

The “Rh-mod” phenotype refers to individuals with weak expression of Rh antigens. Their genotype may involve partial loss-of-function alleles (e.g., weak RHD or RHCE alleles). These individuals may show discrepancies in serological testing.

33
Q

Explain the concept of “Rh antibodies” in pregnancy.

A

During pregnancy, an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive fetus can develop anti-Rh antibodies if fetal blood enters her circulation (e.g., during delivery). These antibodies can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies.

34
Q

What is the genotype of an individual with the “Rh-variant” phenotype?

A

Rh-variant phenotypes result from specific mutations in the Rh genes. For example, someone with the weak D phenotype (Du) may have a genotype involving a weak RHD allele.

35
Q

How does the Rh-variant genotype affect blood typing results?

A

Rh-variant individuals may show weak or variable reactions in serological tests. Molecular genotyping is essential to identify specific mutations.

36
Q

Can an Rh-variant person receive Rh-positive blood?

A

It depends on the specific variant. Some Rh-variants can tolerate Rh-positive blood, while others may react. Compatibility assessment is crucial.

37
Q

Why is understanding Rh genotypic phenomena important in transfusion medicine?

A

Proper identification of atypical Rh phenotypes ensures safe transfusions. Molecular testing helps prevent adverse reactions and guides donor selection.