This is decided by the ABO gene, which has three forms: A, B, and O. In the ABO group blood system, there are four blood types: A, B, AB, or O. This revolves around the presence of A and B antigens on your red blood cells.Īntigens are substances that can trigger your immune system to produce antibodies. ABO Blood Group System: The Key to Blood Type Geneticsīlood types are mainly categorized using the ABO system. The mix of these genes decides many of your characteristics, such as eye color, hair color, and blood type. You get two versions of each gene, one from your mom and one from your dad. Genes are parts of DNA that hold the blueprints for making proteins and other important molecules in your body. So, how do you end up with your specific blood type? It’s all about your genes. Your DNA can guide your wellness path - let's explore it together. The standard technique first separates the recipient's red cells from the liquid part of their blood, called plasma, which contains antibodies.Uncover the secrets of your body's potential. Most blood donations in Australia go towards treating cancer and blood diseases.Īnd pre-transfusion, Australian transfusion requirements state blood screening must be done, especially in "females of child-bearing potential", where possible.Ī little of their blood is taken to a laboratory to look for "clinically important" antibodies, ones that are most likely to cause reactions or haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn, should the patient receive incompatible blood. How blood is screened for 'clinically important' antibodies This can cause a condition called haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn, where the antibodies attack and destroy red blood cells, causing anaemia in the developing baby. That's because there's a risk that antibodies generated from an incompatible blood transfusion could pass through the placenta (should she fall pregnant) and into a foetus's bloodstream. It's sometimes called the "universal blood type".Īnd for a woman who may one day have kids, it's especially important to use matched or O negative blood in a transfusion. What is least likely to cause a reaction is O negative blood, which lacks A, B and RhD antigens. If the reaction is severe enough and not treated, it can be life-threatening. Transfusion reactions don't always cause massive problems but can mean symptoms like fever and low blood pressure. Then, if your immune system encounters those antigens again, it might attack and destroy them. Just as your body churns out antibodies to protect against infections, you can also make antibodies against unfamiliar blood antigens. Positive means your red blood cells sport an antigen called RhD. It's a similar story with the positive or negative part of your blood type.
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