Blood group systems
Blood group (or blood type) is a term used to clasify blood based on the presence or absence of a specific antigen on red blood cells surface. According to the International Society of Blood Transfusion, there are about 30 human blood group systems recognized so far [1].
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ABO blood group system
The most common blood group system being used nowadays is ABO blood group system. In this system, there are 4 classification of blood types. They are group A, B, AB and O. These groups are classified according to the presence or absence of ABO antigen.
| Blood group | Antigen(s) present on erythrocytes | Antibodies present in plasma | Genotype(s) |
| A | A antigen | Anti-B | AA or AO |
| B | B antigen | Anti-A | BB or BO |
| AB | A and B antigens | none | AB |
| O | none | Anti-A and B | OO |
Rh blood group system
Rh blood group system is the second most important system in determining blood groups. It is based on the presence or absence of D antigen on the red blood cells surface. If a blood transfusion containing Rh-positive blood is given to a Rh-negative individual, who does have the Rh antigen, their immune system will attack the blood cells as it will be seen as a danger and foreign. This leads to blood cells being destroyed[2].
See also
References
- ↑ Table of blood group systems, ISBT (August 2008). Retrieved on 15 November 2010.
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/science/Rh-blood-group-system [cited 18/10/16]
External links
