Blood typing and Genetics

Explain why the plasma from donated blood is removed and replaced with saline?

Donor's plasma can have antibodies. This decreases The total number of red blood cells in the body and makes it easier for blood to flow through the body.

List the specific agglutinogens and agglutinins of the 4 ABO blood types?

O: NO antigens/ antibodies- anti-A & anti-B A: antigens- A/ antibodies- anti-B B: antigens- B/ antibodies- anti-A AB: antigens- A & B/ NO antibodies

Characterize mother-fetus mismatch?

Rh- mother is carrying a Rh+ baby; mother can be exposed to the Rh+ agglutinogens. First pregnancy is ok, but during second pregnancy, anti-D antibodies can pass through the placenta from mother to fetus and agglutinate with the fetal RBCs; RBCs hemolyze (rupture); can over-produce bilirubin causing jaundice or toxic brain damage.

Explain how mother-fetus mismatch is prevented?

RhoGAM is given to pregnant Rh- women to prevent antibody formation and prevent any future problems. RhoGAM binds fetal agglutinogens in her blood so she will not form antibodies against them during pregnancy.

Explain why AB is the universal recipient and O is the universal donor?

AB lacks both A & B antibodies O lacks antigens

Describe what happens if there is a mismatched transfusion. What are the effects?

Agglutinated RBCs block blood vessels & rupture

Describe the Rh factor?

Anti-D agglutinins (antibodies) are present in blood. Around 85% of people have it.

Explain when antibodies against the D agglutinogen are produced?

D agglutinogens are not normally present in blood, they only form in individuals exposed to Rh+ blood.

Write and answer some practice questions regarding compatibility of blood types.

Ie. Someone with blood type AB-positive could receive blood from which of the following blood types? A, B, AB, & O (universal recipient)

List and explain the treatments for mother-fetus mismatch?

Phototherapy- exposure to UV light to degrade bilirubin Exchange transfusion- completely replace infant's blood

Define agglutination?

a reaction in which particles (as red blood cells or bacteria) suspended in a liquid collect into clumps and which occurs especially as a serological response to a specific antibody.

Draw the red blood cells for each of the 4 ABO groups and label the agglutinogens and agglutinins that each would have. Draw conclusions regarding the compatibility of the different blood types?

anti-B will react with B & AB anti-A will react with A & AB O will not react with any other RBCs anti-A & anti-B will react with A, B, & AB

List the antigens and antibodies that are associated with red blood cells?

antigens: A & B antibodies: anti-A & anti-B