Blood Types: Antigens, Antibodies, and Rh Factor

Vocabulary flashcards covering blood classification systems, the role of antigens and antibodies, and Rh factor compatibility to prepare for clinical nursing exams.

Antigens

Surface markers found on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type and can trigger an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins found within the plasma outside of red blood cells that interact with opposite antigens to trigger an immune response.

Type A blood

A blood type characterized by having A antigens on the red blood cell surface and anti B antibodies in the plasma.

Type B blood

A blood type characterized by having B antigens on the red blood cell surface and anti A antibodies in the plasma.

Type AB blood

A blood type that contains both antigen A and antigen B, has no antibodies in the plasma, and is considered the universal recipient.

Type O blood

A blood type with zero antigens on the red blood cell surface and both anti A and anti B antibodies in the plasma; it is considered the universal donor.

Plasma

The liquid portion of the blood where antibodies are located.

Transfusion reaction

An immune response that occurs when a person receives an incompatible blood type and their antibodies attack and destroy the donor antigens.

Universal recipient

A classification for individuals with Type AB blood because they can receive any blood type (A, B, AB, or O) without a reaction due to the absence of antibodies.

Universal donor

A classification for Type O blood because it contains zero antigens on the surface and will not trigger an attack from a recipient's antibodies.

Rh factor

A surface marker on red blood cells used to determine whether a blood type is positive or negative.

Positive blood type

A classification indicating the presence of the Rh factor on the surface of the red blood cell; these patients can receive both positive and negative blood types.

Negative blood type

A classification indicating the absence of the Rh factor on the surface of the red blood cell; these patients can only receive negative blood types.