Transfusion and Blood Groups Flashcards
What are the two main ways in which blood is grouped?
- ABO
- Rhesus factor (+/-)
Why do blood groups matter?
Blood group indicates antigens found (or not found in the case of O and RhD negative) on the surface of red blood cells.
The patient will therefore have antibodies that target blood cells with antigens not found on their natural cells.
What does transfusing blood that does not match result in?
Compliment activation that can cause:
- Intravascular haemolysis
- Shock
- Renal failure
- DIC
What are non-ABO anti-blood-antigen antibodies that are formed due to pregnancy/transfusion known as?
Alloantibodies
RhD blood group has implications during what?
Pregnancy
What can RhD negative women develop as a result of being transfused RhD positive blood?
Anti-RhD antibodies
What implication does the development of anti-RhD antibodies have for a fecund RhD negative woman?
If the woman were to become pregannt with a RhD positive fetus, then haemolytic disease of the newborn may occur
How else may anti-RhD antibodies develop in a RhD negative woman?
Pregnancy with a RhD positive fetus as blood can cross the placenta from the fetus to the mother
Does pregancy with a RhD positive baby in a RhD negative woman automatically imply that haemolytic disease of the newborn will occur?
No - generally the chances increase with each subsequent RhD pregnancy as more antibodies will develop.
In an emergency situation what blood type should be given?
O -
Are Rh antibodies naturally carried in Rh negative people?
No - the first time they encounter it they will develop alloantibodies against Rh factor
What are the ABO blood groups?
- A
- B
- AB
- O
What antigens does a person with A+ blood carry?
A and RhD
What antigens does a person with B- carry?
B
What antigens does a person with AB- blood carry?
A and B
