Blood Type

Definition

Blood type refers to the classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids.

Related terms

Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response when introduced into the body.

Antibody: A protein produced by B cells in response to an antigen; antibodies bind to antigens and help their removal from the body.

Transfusion Reaction: An adverse reaction that occurs when a patient receives a transfusion of an incompatible blood type; antibodies in the recipient's blood attack antigens on donor red blood cells.