Blood Types Explained - A, B, AB, and O

Introduction

• Blood types are categorized into four major groups: A, B, AB, and O.
• Blood type compatibility is crucial for safe blood transfusions.

Determining Blood Types

How Blood Type Is Determined

• Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of antigens, substances that can trigger an immune response.
• Safe blood transfusions require careful blood typing and cross-matching.
• Major antigens include:
  • A and B antigens
  • Rh factor: presence (+) or absence (-)
• Eight common blood types result from these antigens: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB-.

Importance of Knowing Your Blood Type

• Knowing your blood type is critical for determining safe transfusion options.
• Compatible blood types are essential for life-saving transfusions.

Blood Types and Transfusions

Matching Blood Types

• Blood type matching is specific and essential for safe transfusions.
• Universal red cell donor: Type O negative
• Universal plasma donor: Type AB
• Rh-negative blood is given to Rh-negative patients; Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood can be given to Rh-positive patients.

Rare Blood Types

• There are over 600 known antigens that contribute to rare blood types.
• Some blood types are unique to specific ethnic or racial groups.
• African-American blood donations are critical for sickle cell disease patients.

Universal Blood Donors

Type O Negative

• Type O negative blood can be used universally in transfusions.
• Type O is in high demand due to its prevalence and universal compatibility.
• Type O Negative is especially crucial for emergencies and immune-deficient infants.

Statistics

• 45% of Caucasians, 51% of African-Americans, and 57% of Hispanics are Type O.
• Only 7% of the population has O negative blood, but it is in high demand.

Rare Blood Types

Definition and Importance

• Blood is considered rare if it lacks antigens common in 99% of the population.
• Extremely rare if it lacks antigens found in 99.99% of the population.

Blood Type Inheritance

Genetic Determination

• Blood type is inherited from parents, similar to eye color.
• A child's blood type is determined by the parents' blood types.
• ABO blood typing cannot definitively prove or disprove paternity.

Call to Action

• Encouragement to donate and learn about personal blood type.
• Information on scheduling a donation appointment.

Schedule Your Appointment