Rh Blood Group System

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the Rh blood group system, including genetic expression, terminologies, and clinical implications.

Rh blood group system

The second most important blood group system in blood banking, second only to ABO.

Rh Factor

Specifically refers to the $Rh_{o}$ antigen D.

Naturally occurring Rh antibodies

There are none; antibodies are only produced after exposure to the antigen via transfusion or pregnancy.

Levine and Stetson (1939)

Researchers who first described a hemolytic transfusion reaction in an obstetric patient who delivered a stillborn infant.

Landsteiner and Wiener

Researchers who discovered the Rh blood group system by studying antibodies produced in guinea pigs and rabbits transfused with rhesus macaque monkey RBCs.

Anti-LW

The name given to the antibody produced by animals in response to Rhesus monkey RBCs.

RHD gene

The gene responsible for the expression of the D antigen.

RHCE gene

The gene responsible for the expression of C, c, E, and e antigens.

Serine

The amino acid found at the $103^{rd}$ position significant for the Big C antigen.

Proline

The amino acid found at the $103^{rd}$ position significant for the small c antigen.

Rh-Associated Glycoprotein (RHAG)

A coexpressor gene located on a chromosome that must be present for the successful expression of Rh antigens.

Haplotype

The half-set of genetic makeup (combination of genes) inherited from one parent.

Fisher-Race: DCE Terminology

A terminology system for Rh antigens (D, d, C, c, E, e) based on positive or negative interpretation of specific antigens present.

Wiener: Rh-hr Terminology

A terminology system based on the presence of the $RH^{\text{o}}$ gene and specific agglutinogens using symbols like R, r, and numerical/apostrophe indicators.

Rosenfield and Coworkers

An alphanumeric terminology system that assigns numbers $1, 2, 3, 4, 5$ to represent specific Rh antigens.

ISBT Numeric Terminology

The numeric system assigned by the International Society for Blood Transfusion, where the Rh blood group is designated as $004$.

C in trans to RHD

A variant where the allele carrying D is on the opposite haplotype to the one carrying C, causing steric interference and weakening D expression.

Weak D

A phenotype where inherited RHD genes code for a complete but reduced number of D antigen sites.

Del

An RhD variant phenotype where RBCs have an extremely low number of D antigen sites.

Partial D (D Mosaic)

A condition where the D antigen is present but is missing specific parts or epitopes.

Rh Antibodies

Mostly IgG antibodies that best react at $37^{\text{o}}C$ (warm) and do not bind complement.

Rhogam

An immunoglobulin given to an Rh-negative mother to inhibit her antibodies from attacking an Rh-positive baby's D antigen.

Gel Method

An Rh typing method using a card containing antisera and a special centrifuge where settled blood indicates the blood type.