The four main blood types (groups) are A, B, AB, and O. The genes you inherited from your parents define your blood type. There are a total of 8 blood types because each group can either be RhD positive or RhD negative.
Whether or whether your red blood cells contain specific antigens (referred to as A and B) determines your blood type, which might be A, B, AB, or O. We have four main blood types based on whether A or B antigens are present or absent: Only A antigens are found on red blood cells in blood of type A. Only B antigens are present on red blood cells in B type blood.
Blood types are determined by the kinds of proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids that are present (or expressed) on the surface of red blood cells. Additionally, blood types are inherited, or at least the genes that determine them.
The Healthiest Blood Type
People with type O blood have the lowest chance of developing heart disease out of the eight major blood types. The highest risk group includes people with blood types AB and B, which may be due to these blood types' greater rates of inflammation. People with blood types AB and B should pay special attention to maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Antibodies and Antigens
Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are contained in a fluid called plasma, which is the blood. Antibodies and antigens found in the blood help identify your blood group.
Plasma contains proteins called antibodies. They are a component of your body's built-in defenses. They identify alien objects, like bacteria, and notify your immune system, which then eliminates them.
Protein molecules called antigens can be detected on the outer layer of red blood cells.
The ABO System
- Blood group A- contains A antigens on red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
- Blood group B- contains B antigens and anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
- Blood group O- contains neither antigens nor anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
- Blood group AB- contains both A and B antigens but no antibodies.
The most prevalent blood group is blood group O. 48% of people in the UK belong to blood group O.
ABO blood transfusions from the incorrect group can be fatal. When a person with group B blood receives group A blood, for instance, the anti-A antibodies in that person's body will attack the group A cells.
For this reason, group A blood should never be given to a group B recipient, and vice versa.
Red blood cells from group O can be safely donated to any other group since they lack A or B antigens.
The Rh System
Sometimes a protein known as the RhD antigen, another antigen, is present in red blood cells. Your blood group is RhD positive if this is present. Your blood type is RhD negative if it's nonexistent.
A+ RhD test results
a negative RhD (A-)
B+ (B RhD positive)
Negative for B RhD (B-)
O+, O RhD positive
A negative O RhD. (O-)
Positive for AB RhD (AB+)
RhD-negative AB (AB-)
RhD is present in about 85% of people in the UK (36% are O+, the most prevalent kind).
Most of the time, anyone can receive O RhD negative blood (O-) without risk. When the blood type is not immediately known, it is frequently utilized in medical emergencies.
Due to the lack of A, B, or RhD antigens on the surface of the cells and compatibility with all other ABO and RhD blood groups, it is safe for the majority of recipients.
TAG: Blood Groups
Source; www.nhs.uk
