What is the basis of blood grouping?

Blood grouping is based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are inherited from our parents and determine our blood type. The two main blood group systems are the ABO system and the Rh system.

ABO Blood Group System

The ABO blood group system is based on the presence or absence of two antigens on the surface of red blood cells: A and B. People with type A blood have only A antigens, people with type B blood have only B antigens, people with type AB blood have both A and B antigens, and people with type O blood have neither A nor B antigens.

In addition to the A and B antigens, there is also a third antigen called the Rh factor. People who have the Rh factor are Rh-positive, while those who lack the Rh factor are Rh-negative. The Rh factor is inherited independently of the ABO blood group system.

The ABO blood group system is important because it determines which blood transfusions are safe. Transfusions between compatible blood types can be life-saving, while transfusions between incompatible blood types can cause serious complications.

The following table shows the different blood types and the antigens they have:

| Blood Type | Antigens |

|---|---|

| A+ | A, Rh factor |

| A- | A |

| B+ | B, Rh factor |

| B- | B |

| AB+ | A, B, Rh factor |

| AB- | A, B |

| O+ | Rh factor |

| O- | None |

Rh Blood Group System

The Rh blood group system is based on the presence or absence of the Rh factor on the surface of red blood cells. People who are Rh-positive have the Rh factor, while people who are Rh-negative do not.

The Rh factor is important because it can cause a condition called Rh incompatibility. Rh incompatibility occurs when a Rh-negative mother carries a Rh-positive fetus. The mother's immune system can attack the fetus's red blood cells, leading to anemia, jaundice, and other health problems.

Rh incompatibility can be prevented by giving Rh-negative mothers a vaccine called RhoGAM. RhoGAM prevents the mother's immune system from attacking the fetus's red blood cells.

Blood grouping is an important part of medical care. It is used to ensure that blood transfusions are safe and to prevent Rh incompatibility.