5. OXYGENATION (Blood Groups)

What determines blood groups?

The presence or absence of specific antigens on red blood cells.

What antigen does blood group A have?

A antigens

What antigen does blood group B have?

B antigens

What antigens does blood group AB have?

Both A and B antigens

What antigens does blood group O have?

None (no A or B antigens)

What is the Rh factor?

A protein that determines if your blood type is positive (+) or negative (−)

How does the Rh factor affect blood types?

It adds a + or − to the A, B, AB, or O group (e.g., A+, B−)

What type of antibodies are produced against ABO antigens?

IgG and IgM

Are ABO antibodies naturally occurring?

Yes

Where is anti-A found?

In people with blood groups O and B

Where is anti-B found?

In people with blood groups O and A

What do anti-A and anti-B antibodies do?

Bind to RBCs and activate complement

What happens when complement is activated?

It causes intravascular hemolysis

What is the universal donor blood type?

O negative (O−)

Why is O− the universal donor?

It has no A, B, or Rh antigens

Who can receive O− blood?

Anyone, regardless of their blood type

What is the universal recipient blood type?

AB positive (AB+)

Why is AB+ the universal recipient?

It recognizes all antigens as safe

Who can AB+ individuals receive blood from?

Any blood type

Why are ABO antibodies clinically important?

They are naturally occurring and highly reactive.

Why is blood typing and crossmatching done?

To prevent transfusion reactions from ABO incompatibility.

What can cause fatal transfusion reactions?

Clerical errors leading to transfusion of the wrong blood type.

What are standard safety practices before blood transfusion?

Blood typing and crossmatching.