Blood Types and Compatibility

Educational vocabulary flashcards covering the biological components and compatibility rules for primary blood groups and the Rh factor as described in the lecture notes.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

The formed elements of blood that are categorized into various types based on the presence of specific agglutinogens on their surfaces.

Agglutinogens

Surface antigens present on Red Blood Cell surfaces that determine a person's blood type.

Agglutinins

Antibodies located in the blood plasma that react with foreign surface antigens.

Agglutinogen A

A specific type of surface antigen found on the RBCs of people with Type A or Type AB blood.

Agglutinogen B

A specific type of surface antigen found on the RBCs of people with Type B or Type AB blood.

Agglutinogen D

Also known as the Rh factor, it is a surface antigen that determines Rh positive status.

Agglutinin a

Also referred to as anti-A antibodies, these are found in the plasma of individuals with Type B or Type O blood and attack type A antigens.

Agglutinin b

Also referred to as anti-B antibodies, these are found in the plasma of individuals with Type A or Type O blood and attack type B antigens.

Agglutinin D

Also known as anti-Rh antibodies, these are only present in an Rh negative person if they have been sensitized to agglutinogen D.

Type A blood

A blood type characterized by RBCs with surface antigen A only and plasma containing agglutinin b.

Type B blood

A blood type characterized by RBCs with surface antigen B only and plasma containing agglutinin a.

Type AB blood

A blood type characterized by RBCs with both surface antigens A and B and plasma containing neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies.

Type O blood

A blood type characterized by RBCs lacking both A and B surface antigens and plasma containing both a and b agglutinins.

Rh positive (Rh+)

A classification for individuals who have the Rh factor (Rh antigen) on their Red Blood Cells.

Rh negative (Rh-)

A classification for individuals who lack the Rh factor (Rh antigen) on their Red Blood Cells.

Sensitized

The process of becoming exposed to an antigen, such as Rh factor, which then triggers the development of corresponding antibodies (agglutinins) in the plasma.

Agglutination

The clumping reaction that occurs when a donor's agglutinogens cross-react with the patient's plasma agglutinins during an incompatible blood donation.

Hemolyze

The process in which donated Red Blood Cells rupture or break apart, which may occur during an incompatible or unsafe donation.

Packed cells donor

A blood donation involving only Red Blood Cells; the compatibility depends on whether the donor's agglutinogens will react with the patient's agglutinins.

Whole blood donor

A blood donation involving both Red Blood Cells and plasma; compatibility depends on both donor agglutinogens and donor agglutinins reacting with the patient's blood.