Rh blood groups

Definition

Rh blood groups are classifications of blood based on the presence or absence of the Rh antigen, also known as the Rh factor, on the surface of red blood cells. The most significant antigen in this group is the D antigen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The presence of the D antigen makes a person Rh-positive, while its absence makes them Rh-negative.
2. The Rh system is important for transfusions because incompatibility can lead to hemolytic reactions.
3. Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
4. The Coombs test, both direct and indirect, is used to detect antibodies against Rh antigens.
5. Agglutination assays are commonly employed to determine an individual's Rh status.

Related terms

Agglutination Assay: A laboratory method used to detect the presence of antibodies by observing clumping of cells.

Coombs Test: A test used to detect antibodies that act against the surface of red blood cells.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN): A condition where a mother's immune system attacks her baby's red blood cells due to Rh incompatibility.