Rh factor

Definition

The Rh factor is a protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells. It plays a crucial role in determining an individual's blood type and can trigger immune responses during blood transfusions or pregnancy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Rh factor is inherited genetically and is denoted as either positive (Rh+) or negative (Rh-).
2. An Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn, also known as erythroblastosis fetalis.
3. Rh sensitization occurs when an Rh-negative individual is exposed to Rh-positive blood, leading to antibody production against the Rh antigen.
4. Routine prenatal care includes testing for the Rh factor to manage potential incompatibilities early.
5. Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) can be administered to prevent an Rh-negative mother from becoming sensitized to Rh-positive fetal blood cells.

Review Questions

Related terms

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn:

A condition where maternal antibodies attack fetal red blood cells due to Rh incompatibility.

Rho(D) Immune Globulin: A medication used to prevent an immune response against Rh-positive blood cells in an Rh-negative individual.

Blood Transfusion Reaction: An adverse reaction that occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks transfused blood cells.