The human blood type

Everyone knows that blood belongs to a certain group and that blood can be transferred to another person.

But what determines the blood type

Blood contains plasma and cells: erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Today we will talk about erythrocytes, on the surface of which are antigens that determine the blood group.

  • These antigens are A and B, and the blood group system is called AB0.
  • The following are combinations:
  • 0 blood group (first) = no A antigen or B antigen.
  • Blood type A (second) = antigen A only.
  • Blood type B (third) = contains only antigen B.
  • Blood type AB (fourth) = is both A-antigen and B-antigen.

But antigens are not alone. Plasma also contains alpha and beta antibodies, anti-A and anti-B. And here the situation takes a new turn:

  • Blood type 0 = is both anti-A and anti-B.
  • Blood type A = anti-B antibodies.
  • Blood type B = has anti-A antibodies.
  • AB blood group = no antibodies

Why are antibodies important?

It is important to consider both antigens and antibodies when transfusing blood, as antibodies in one group may not bind to antigens in another.

By the way, the first blood type is unique in that it has no antigens and can therefore be transfused to people with any blood type. People with a fourth blood type can be transfused with any blood type, but the fourth blood type itself can only be transfused with those with the same blood type.

Best Regards By SAEED ZULFIQAR