1. Cardiovascular System: Blood II and III Chapter 11

2. Blood Grouping Surfaces of erythrocytes have antigens and the plasma contains antibodies. Each antibody is specific for an antigen.

3. ABO Blood Groups ABO grouping is based on the presence or absence of two possible antigens – A and B. The presence of these antigens is based on heredity. Persons with type A antigen have type A blood, with type B antigen have type B blood, with both A and B antigens have AB blood, lacking antigens A and B have type O blood. Conversely, the antibodies present in the blood are opposite to the antigens. They are not present at birth, but develop over several months following birth. O = universal donor and AB = universal recipient

4. ABO continued

5. Rh Blood Groups Rh positive individuals have a certain Rh antigens on the surface of their erythrocytes. Rh negative individuals do not have this antigen. Major concern for pregnant women due to an Rh differential during birth. An Rh positive fetus in an Rh negative mother causes the mother to produce Rh antibodies if exposed to the baby’s blood results in the potential for Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in the second pregnancy if not treated.