If someone with group B antigen receives red blood cells from someone with group A antigen, their body will launch an immune response and reject the transfusion. Giving someone the wrong blood type can lead to potentially life-threatening reactions and complications. A universal plasma donor will have type AB blood.īefore a person receives donated blood, doctors will check that this blood is compatible. The rules for plasma are the opposite of those for Rh. A person with Rh-positive blood can only donate to someone with Rh-positive blood.Īs a result, there is a high demand for O negative blood, even though fewer than 10% of the U.S.A person with Rh-negative blood can donate to a person with Rh-negative or Rh-positive blood.A person with O-negative blood can donate to almost anyone.A person with group O negative blood is a universal donor. Almost anyone with any blood type can receive these red blood cells. O negative blood contains no A, B, or RhD antigens. Within the eight main groups, are there also many lesser-known and less common blood types. The rarest blood group type is AB negative. are as follows:Īround 82% of people in the U.S. Some are more common than others.Īccording to the American Association of Blood Banks, the distribution of blood types in the U.S. This means there are eight main blood types in the ABO/Rh blood group system. Understanding ABO and Rhesusĭoctors need to take into account both ABO and Rh when considering blood types. If the red blood cells contain the RhD antigen, they are RhD positive. Some red blood cells have Rh factor, also known as the RhD antigen. Since these antigens are not present, a person with any ABO blood type can receive this type of blood. Group O: The plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, but the surface of the red blood cells does not contain any A or B antigens. Individuals with type AB can receive any ABO blood type. Group AB: The red blood cells have both A and B antigens, but the plasma does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies. Anti-A antibody would attack blood cells that contain A antigen. Group B: The surface of the red blood cells contains B antigen, and the plasma has anti-A antibody. Anti-B antibody would attack blood cells that contain B antigen. Group A: The surface of the red blood cells contains A antigen, and the plasma has anti-B antibody. They use the ABO system alongside the RhD antigen status to determine which blood type or types will match for a safe red blood cell transfusion. The ABO blood group system classifies blood types according to the different types of antigens in the red blood cells and antibodies in the plasma. This can cause a severe and possibly life-threatening reaction. This is why it is essential to match blood types when a person needs a transfusion.Īccording to the American Red Cross, If a person receives red blood cells with antigens that are not already present in their system, their body will reject and attack the new red blood cells. These antibodies will target an antigen if they consider it a foreign object. Scientists use two types of antigens to classify blood types:Īntigens and antibodies play a role in the immune system’s defense mechanism. detecting unwanted cells that could cause illness.maintaining the structure of red blood cells.transporting other molecules into and out of the cell.The antigens in blood have various functions, including: The types and features of antigens can vary between individuals, due to small genetic differences. The blood group will depend on which antigens are on the surface of the red blood cells.Īntigens are molecules. plasma, which is a yellowish liquid that contains proteins and salts.white blood cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system.red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.Share on Pinterest Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images

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