Blood Type

What is the function of surface antigens on RBCs?

An antigen is a substance foreign to the body that causes an immune response. An immune response occurs when antibodies, which are proteins in your immune system, are summoned to attack an antigen.

Antibodies present at birth

Anti-A and Anti-B

Antigens

Anything that is foreign to the body and that causes an immune response

Cross-reaction

When an individual receives a different blood type, antibodies in the recipient's plasma meet their specific antigen on the donated RBC and a cross-reaction occurs

Complete blood type

Different distribution of blood types in human population Rh positive (Rh+) -Presence of Rh surface antigen Rh negative (Rh-) -Absence of Rh surface antigen Full blood type reported as letter (A, B, AB, O) and positive or negative sign (A+, O-, etc.)

Compatible blood type

→ includes recipients whose immune systems DO NOT produce antibodies directed against antigens (surface glycoproteins) on donor erythrocytes

Antibodies

A type of protein found in blood or other bodily fluids; used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.

Hemolysis

Breakdown of recipient's red blood cells when incompatible bloods are mixed

Which blood type(s) can be safely transfused into a person with Type O blood?

Blood type O is often called the universal donor. This means that they can give their blood to anyone, but they can only receive blood from another O person. The other side of the equation is people with AB. They are the universal recipients. They can receive any type of blood, but can only donate to another AB person.

Agglutination

Clumping of cells due to a reaction between antigens on cell plasma membranes and antibodies Clumps can block small blood vessels causing damage to tissues

Blood typing tests

Drops of blood mixed with antibody solution Clumping (agglutination) occurs when solution contains same antibody as surface antigen Cross-reaction is also called transfusion reaction No transfusion reaction if blood types are compatible -Donor's blood cells and recipient's plasma will not react

Why can't a person with Type A blood safely receive blood from a person with Type B blood?

If a person with type A blood receives a transfusion of Type B blood, which contains anti-A antibodies, the rbcs will clump, or agglutinate, potentially blocking blood flow to various organs and tissues

Anti-Rh antibodies

formed only if an Rh-negative person is exposed to Rh-positive blood

Transfusion reaction

a serious, and potentially fatal, complication of a blood transfusion in which a severe immune response occurs because the patient's blood and the donated blood do not match

Surface antigens

on plasma membranes of your cell Immune system recognizes these as "self" Blood type determined by surface antigens on RBCs Most important A, B, and Rh (D) Plasma contains antibodies that attack antigens on "foreign" RBCs