Blood Types Flashcards
What are the 8 types of blood?
Type A, Type B, Type AB, Type O (each with positive and negative variants)
Each blood type can be classified based on the presence of specific surface antigens and plasma antibodies.
What determines a person’s blood type?
Surface antigens and plasma antibodies
The specific combination of antigens on red blood cells and antibodies in plasma defines the blood type.
What is agglutination?
Clumping of red blood cells
Agglutination occurs when incompatible blood types mix, potentially leading to serious health issues.
What surface antigens are present in Type A Blood?
Type A surface antigens
Plasma contains anti-B antibodies.
What surface antigens are present in Type B Blood?
Type B surface antigens
Plasma contains anti-A antibodies.
What characterizes Type AB Blood?
Red blood cells have both type A and type B surface antigens
Plasma has neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies.
What characterizes Type O Blood?
Red blood cells have neither type A nor type B surface antigens
Plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
What are the Rh blood types?
Rh+ (has antigen) and Rh- (does not have antigen)
Rh status affects blood transfusion compatibility.
Who can receive blood from whom in terms of Rh factor?
Rh+ can receive from Rh+ or Rh-, Rh- can receive only from Rh-
This compatibility is crucial for safe blood transfusions.
What can happen if an Rh- mother has an Rh+ baby?
Mother’s immune system may produce anti-Rh antibodies
This is not problematic during the first pregnancy but can affect subsequent pregnancies.
What is Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)?
Condition where anti-Rh antibodies destroy the baby’s red blood cells
It can lead to severe health issues including brain damage and jaundice.
What substance is produced by the liver during the breakdown of red blood cells in HDN?
Bilirubin
Elevated bilirubin levels cause jaundice in affected infants.
What is one treatment option for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?
Blood transfusion for the baby or inducing early labor
These interventions aim to prevent worsening of the condition.
How can HDN be prevented?
Testing mother’s blood type and administering an injection after the first child’s birth
This injection prevents the mother from producing anti-Rh antibodies.
