What’s Your Blood Type?

There two distinct chemical molecules present on the surface of the red blood cells. One labeled molecule “A” = Type A and the other molecule “B” = Type B. If the red blood cell has a mixture of both molecules, that blood is called type AB. If the red blood cell had neither molecule, that blood was called type O. Blood Types= A, B, AB, O

Donating Blood A person with type A blood can donate blood to a person with type A or type AB. A person with type B blood can donate blood to a person with type B or type AB. A person with type AB blood can donate blood to a person with type AB only. A A person with type O blood can donate to anyone= Universal Donor

Receiving Blood A person with type A blood can receive blood from a person with type A or type O. A person with type B blood can receive blood from a person with type B or type O. A person with type AB blood can receive blood from anyone=Universal Receiver A person with type O blood can only receive blood from a person with type O.

Rh Factor Are You Positive or Negative? Are You Positive or Negative? Scientists sometimes study Rhesus monkeys to learn more about the human anatomy because there are certain similarities between the two species. While studying Rhesus monkeys, a certain blood protein was discovered. This protein is also present in the blood of some people. Other people, however, do not have the protein. The presence of the protein, or lack of it, is referred to as the Rh (for Rhesus) factor. Scientists sometimes study Rhesus monkeys to learn more about the human anatomy because there are certain similarities between the two species. While studying Rhesus monkeys, a certain blood protein was discovered. This protein is also present in the blood of some people. Other people, however, do not have the protein. The presence of the protein, or lack of it, is referred to as the Rh (for Rhesus) factor.

If your blood does contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh positive (Rh+). If your blood does not contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh negative (Rh-). This Rh factor is connected to your blood type. For example, your blood may be AB+ which means that you have type AB blood with a positive Rh factor. Or, you might have O- blood which means that you have type O blood with a negative Rh factor.

Rh Factor Genotype/Phenotype Genetic Makeup Blood Type Genetic Makeup Blood Type ++ Rh Positive ++ Rh Positive +- Rh Positive +- Rh Positive -- Rh Negative -- Rh Negative

The blood type determines what antibodies are located within the blood. Type A blood has type B antibodies. If type B blood is put into their bodies, their immune system reacts as if it were a foreign invader, the antibodies clump the blood. This can cause death. Type AB blood has no antibodies, any blood can be donated to them - they are called the "universal acceptors" Type O blood has no surface markers on it, antibodies in the blood do not react to type O blood, they are called the "universal donors"