ABO blood group system
Definition
The ABO blood group system classifies human blood based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on red blood cells. This system is crucial in transfusion medicine and can trigger immune responses if incompatible blood types are mixed.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The four main ABO blood groups are A, B, AB, and O.
- Type O blood lacks both A and B antigens but has anti-A and anti-B antibodies, making it a universal donor.
- Type AB blood has both A and B antigens but lacks antibodies against them, making it a universal recipient.
- Incompatible blood transfusions can cause severe immune reactions due to antibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells.
- The ABO system is genetically determined by the inheritance of alleles from parents.
Review Questions
- What are the four main ABO blood groups?
- Why is type O considered a universal donor?
- What can happen if incompatible ABO blood types are mixed during a transfusion?
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Related terms
Rh Factor: A protein that may be present on red blood cells; important for determining positive or negative blood type.
Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction: An adverse reaction resulting from the destruction of incompatible transfused red blood cells.
Antigen-Antibody Complex: Formed when an antigen binds to a corresponding antibody, potentially triggering immune responses.
