Human Blood Groups Flashcards

1
Q

ABO blood types were identified…

A

… in 1900 by Karl Landstein (1930 Nobel laureate)

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2
Q

Blood groups are determined by…

A

…agglutinogens

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3
Q

What are agglutinogens?

A

Specific glycoproteins on red blood cell membranes or surface antigens on RBCs. All RBCs in an individual carry the same specific type of agglutinogens.

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4
Q

What are antigens?

A

Substances that trigger a defensive response from the leukocytes of the immune system when there is a perceived threat.

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5
Q

ABO blood groups and their agglutinogens

A

Type A = A
Type B = B
Type AB = A and B
Type O = Neither A nor B

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6
Q

What produces the antibodies that cause agglutination?

A

Certain B lymphocytes called Plasma Cells

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7
Q

Explain agglutination

A
  • Incompatible blood is infused and RBCs with foreign antibodies appear in blood stream
  • Immune response is triggered where antibodies attach to RBCs and cause them to adhere to one another
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8
Q

Shape of agglutination antibodies

A

Y-shaped

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9
Q

Effects of agglutination

A

Blocked blood vessels, interrupting transport. Degraded clumps release excess haemoglobin which may overwhelm kidneys and cause kidney failure

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10
Q

What are the antibodies that cause agglutination called?

A

Agglutinin; they are pre-formed antibodies

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11
Q

Type O blood contains both A and B agglutinis, true or false?

A

True

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12
Q

What is agglutination?

A

Aggregation and lysis of incompatible RBCs

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13
Q

Explain RH blood grouping

A

Here, we classify blood groups based on the presence of Rh agglutinogens other than A/B agglutinogens

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14
Q

RH blood group stats

A

85 of white - Positive
95% of American blacks - Positive
Almost all African blacks - Positive

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15
Q

Rh positive and negative blood

A

Rh positive has Rh agglutinogens
Rh negative doesn’t have

Rh positive has Rh negative agglutinins and vice versa

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16
Q

Agglutinins against Rh-positive RBCs are produced…

A

…after Rh-negative blood sees Rh-positive RBCs.

17
Q

Difference between RH blood and ABO blood agglutins

A

RH is not pre-formed, it only forms on Rh negative’s exposure to Rh antigen. ABO agglutinin is pre-formed.

18
Q

What is Rh sensitization?

A

The process whereby Rh agglutins are formed in Rh negative individuals in response to introduction of Rh positive blood

19
Q

What is haemolytic disease of the newborn?

A

When Rh negative mother with Rh agglutins carries Rh positive child and these agglutins destroy the foetal RBCs

20
Q

Effects of haemolytic disease of the newborn?

A

Anaemia

Still birth

21
Q

Treatment of HDN

A

Use of anti-Rh gamma globulin to mask Rh agglutinogens