ABO blood group system

Definition

The ABO blood group system classifies human blood based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on red blood cells. This system is crucial in transfusion medicine and can trigger immune responses if incompatible blood types are mixed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The four main ABO blood groups are A, B, AB, and O.
2. Type O blood lacks both A and B antigens but has anti-A and anti-B antibodies, making it a universal donor.
3. Type AB blood has both A and B antigens but lacks antibodies against them, making it a universal recipient.
4. Incompatible blood transfusions can cause severe immune reactions due to antibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells.
5. The ABO system is genetically determined by the inheritance of alleles from parents.

Review Questions

• What are the four main ABO blood groups?
• Why is type O considered a universal donor?
• What can happen if incompatible ABO blood types are mixed during a transfusion?

Related terms

Rh Factor:

A protein that may be present on red blood cells; important for determining positive or negative blood type.

Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction: An adverse reaction resulting from the destruction of incompatible transfused red blood cells.

Antigen-Antibody Complex:

Formed when an antigen binds to a corresponding antibody, potentially triggering immune responses.