Blood Group Testing with RH Factor

🩸 What is a Blood Group?

A blood group (or blood type) refers to the classification of a person’s blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens are proteins or sugars that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body.

The two main blood group systems are:

🔹 ABO System:

This system classifies blood into four main types:

• Type A: Has A antigens on the red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in the plasma

• Type B: Has B antigens and anti-A antibodies

• Type AB: Has both A and B antigens, no antibodies (universal recipient)

• Type O: Has no antigens but both anti-A and anti-B antibodies (universal donor)

🔸 Rh System:

This system refers to the Rh factor, another antigen:

• Rh-positive (Rh+): Rh antigen is present

• Rh-negative (Rh–): Rh antigen is absent

✅ Why Blood Group Matters:

• Safe blood transfusions

• Pregnancy care (Rh incompatibility risk)

• Organ transplantation

• Medical emergencies