Blood type stuff

What is the definition of blood transfusion?

Transfer of blood from a donor to a recipient.

Why are blood transfusions needed?

To replace severe blood loss, treat severe anemia, and treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

What happens with 15-30% blood loss?

Causes weakness and pallor.

What happens with over 30% blood loss?

Can lead to shock, which can be fatal.

What are antigens in blood?

Proteins located on the surface of red blood cells that determine a person's blood type.

What are antibodies in blood?

Proteins found in the plasma that recognize and attack foreign antigens.

What is agglutination?

Clumping of red blood cells when antibodies bind to foreign antigens, indicating incompatible blood types.

What is hemolysis?

Destruction (rupture) of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream and may cause kidney damage/failure.

What determines blood type in the ABO system?

The presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells.

What is the universal donor blood type?

Type O, which has no A or B antigens and can donate to all ABO blood types.

What is the universal recipient blood type?

Type AB, which has no anti-A or anti-B antibodies and can receive all ABO blood types.

What are the characteristics of Rh positive blood?

Has the Rh (D) antigen; most people are Rh⁺.

What are the characteristics of Rh negative blood?

No Rh antigen; Rh⁻ individuals do not naturally have anti-Rh antibodies.

What occurs during Rh incompatibility?

When an Rh⁻ person receives Rh⁺ blood, leading to sensitization and production of anti-Rh antibodies.

What happens during the second exposure to Rh⁺ blood for an Rh⁻ individual?

Anti-Rh antibodies attack Rh⁺ red blood cells, causing hemolysis.

What is hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Occurs when an Rh⁻ mother produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placenta and attack the baby's Rh⁺ RBCs during a second pregnancy.

What is the function of RhoGAM?

Prevents the mother from producing anti-Rh antibodies.

What is the purpose of blood typing?

To determine blood type before transfusion by mixing blood with anti-A and anti-B serum.

What are the results of blood typing for type A?

Clumps with anti-A serum and does not clump with anti-B serum.

What is cross-matching?

Testing donor blood and recipient blood together before transfusion to ensure compatibility.

Define 'antigen'.

A protein on the RBC surface.

Define 'antibody'.

A protein in plasma that attacks foreign antigens.

Define 'agglutination'.

Clumping of RBCs.

Define 'hemolysis'.

Destruction of RBCs.

What is the significance of a Type O blood?

Universal donor with no A or B antigens.

What is the significance of a Type AB blood?

Universal recipient with no anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

What does Rh⁺ indicate?

Presence of Rh antigen.

What does Rh⁻ indicate?

Absence of Rh antigen.

What is the consequence of giving Rh⁻ blood to an Rh⁺ individual?

Usually no reaction upon first exposure; subsequent exposures can cause serious complications.