Blood Typing

Blood Type A has....

A antigens and A antibodies.

Blood Type AB has...

A and B antigens, no antibodies.

What are antigens and antibodies? How are they involved in the body's response to incompatible blood?

Antibodies are proteins made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Antibodies neutralize or destroy antigens. Antigens are any substance that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. The wrong blood type with the wrong antigens will trigger an immune response by the antibodies.

Blood Type B has...

B antigens and A antibodies.

People with blood type O are considered to be universal donors. That is, they can donate blood to all other blood types. Why is this true?

Blood type O does not have any A or B antigens and does have both A and B antibodies. So, there are no antigens to trigger an immune response in the recipient's blood. O negative is the universal donor because there are absolutely no proteins on the RBCs, which means that anyone can receive that blood without suffering rejection.

People with AB blood are considered to be universal recipients. They can receive blood from all blood types. Why is this true?

Group AB blood contains red blood cells that have both antigens A and B and therefore does not have reactive antibodies in its plasma to these antigens, which are found in some other blood types.

Blood Type O has...

No antigens, both A and B antibodies

Describe the immune response that occurs when an individual receives a transfusion of incompatible blood.

The red blood cells clump together cutting off blood flow through the blood vessels and capillaries.

Why is it important to know a person's blood type before giving him or her a transfusion?

The wrong blood type can trigger an immune response.