What are blood types? Blood Types

AA or AO = Type ABB or BO = Type B

OO = Type OAB = Type AB

There are 3 alleles or genes for blood type: A, B, & O. Since we have 2 genes,

there are 6 possible combinations.

Average Percents…

•Type O—46%•Type A—40%•Type B—10%•Type AB—4%

Rh Factors• Scientists sometimes study Rhesus monkeys

to learn more about the human anatomy because there are certain similarities between the two species. While studying Rhesus monkeys, a certain blood protein was discovered. This protein is also present in the blood of some people. Other people, however, do not have the protein.

• The presence of the protein, or lack of it, is referred to as the Rh (for Rhesus) factor.

• If your blood contains the protein, your blood is said to be Rh positive (Rh+). If your blood does not contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh negative (Rh-).

A+ A-B+ B-

AB+ AB-O+ O-

http://www.fi.edu/biosci/blood/rh.html

Blood Typing Test

•Determines blood type and compatibility

Figure 19–7

Red blood cell compatibility table

                       AB+            AB-

           B+      B-

           A+      A-

     O+O-

AB+AB-B+B-A+A-O+O-DonorRecipient

  

the AB+ blood type is referred to as the "universal

recipient", as it possesses neither Anti-B or Anti-A

antibodies in its plasma, and can receive both Rh-

positive and Rh-negative blood.

Similarly, the O− blood type is called the "universal

donor"; since its red blood cells have no A or B

antigens and are Rh-negative, no other blood type

will reject it.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

• A child is Rh positive in Rh negative mother• B during pregnancy fetal Rh positive RBC’s escape into

maternal circulation• C Mother produces antibodies to Rh (D) antigen. First baby

passes unharmed. • D Second pregnancy with Rh (D) positive child, these

antibodies can cross the placenta & cause destruction of fetal D positive RBC’s.

• This is why Rh negative females are given Rhogam after birth of Rh positive baby.