Blood Types

Genetics of Blood Types Your blood type is established before you are BORN, by specific GENES inherited from your parents. These two genes - one gene from your MOTHER and one from your FATHER - determine your blood type by causing proteins called AGGLUTINOGENS to exist on the surface of all of your red blood cells.

Serology-study of biological fluids in specific antigen- antibody reactions 1901-Karl Landsteiner-ABO blood type system Blood types based on presence of agglutinogens (agglutinating antigens) on red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Blood Types A – A antigens B – B antigens AB – A & B antigens O no antigens

Proteins that stimulate production of antibodies On surface of erythrocytes Types- A and B Antibodies-produced against antigens not present Ex. Type A blood has A antigens, but B antibodies Antigens (agglutinogens)

What are blood types? There are 3 alleles or genes for blood type: A, B, & O. Since we have 2 genes, there are 6 possible combinations. Blood Types AA or AO = Type A BB or BO = Type B OO = Type O AB = Type AB

Blood Types Blood TypeAntigenAntibodies in plasma Can give to Can receive from A AAnti B A,ABO, A B BAnti AB,ABO.B AB No A or BABO,A,B,AB ONeither A nor B A and BO,A,B,A B O

Proteins that stimulate production of antibodies On surface of erythrocytes Types- A and B Antibodies-produced against antigens not present Ex. Type A blood has A antigens, but B antibodies Antigens (agglutinogens)

Rh Factor Rh + has the antigen Rh – does not have the antigen

Rh Factors 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-). A+ A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O+ O-

Rh antigen is also important People either have the antigen or do not Rh-negative people will develop antibodies to the Rh antigen if they are exposed to the Rh-positive blood If a Rh-negative woman becomes pregnant with a Rh-positive fetus she may make antibodies to the fetus’ RBCs This can be prevented with RhoGAM

Frequency of Blood Types in US

How common is your blood type?

Blood types are inherited In some parts of the world some blood types are more common than others In U.S.: ~45% are O, ~40% are A, 12% are B, and about 3% are AB about 85% are Rh-positive

Blood Transfusions A blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood is given to a patient through an intravenous (IV) line in one of the blood vessels. Blood transfusions are done to replace blood lost during surgery or a serious injury. A transfusion also may be done if a person’s body can't make blood properly because of an illness. Who can give you blood? People with TYPE O blood are called Universal Donors, because they can give blood to any blood type. People with TYPE AB blood are called Universal Recipients, because they can receive any blood type. Rh +  Can receive + or - Rh -  Can only receive - Universal Donor Universal Recipient

Blood Transfusion In the United States, a blood transfusion is needed about every two seconds.

Did You Know? When a person donates a pint of blood; that blood is separated into red blood, plasma and platelets. Each of those can be given to 3 different patients.

Transfusions are preferred between people of the same blood type If blood is properly processed and administered: A can receive from A and O B from B and O AB from AB, A, B and O O only from type O- but can donate to everyone else Rh-positive can receive from negative andå positive Rh-negative only from negative

Microscopic Views Bird Blood Cat Blood Dog Blood Fish Blood Frog Blood Snake Blood Human Blood Horse Blood

Facts 700 RBC to 1 WBC CO combines 210 times faster to RBC than CO2 Most of your blood is located in your veins, 64% Veins appear blue because the blood is a dark reddish (bluish) color.

When Things Go Wrong Anemia Leukopenia – low WBC count Myeloma – B lymphocytes cancer Leukemia – blood cancer excess count Mononucleosis – atypical WBC, Virus AIDS