Blood Group and Rhesus Factor

What is Blood Group and Rhesus Factor?

The blood group is a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The best-known classification is the ABO system, where the blood groups are A, B, AB, and O. The Rhesus factor (Rh-factor) determines whether your blood is positive (+) or negative (-), depending on the presence of a specific antigen, the D antigen.

Why should you have your Blood Group and Rhesus Factor tested?

Knowing your blood group and Rhesus factor is crucial for safe blood transfusions, organ transplants, and during pregnancy to assess the risk of Rhesus disease in newborns. It is also useful in medical emergencies where rapid blood transfusions may be necessary.

What does it indicate?

The test identifies which blood group you have in the ABO system and whether your Rhesus factor is positive or negative. This helps determine compatibility for blood transfusions and the risks of certain medical conditions.

What does a specific Blood Group and Rhesus Factor mean?

Every blood group and Rhesus factor has its own compatibility with other blood groups, which is important for blood transfusions. For instance, people with blood group O- are considered universal donors, while people with blood group AB+ are universal recipients. The Rhesus factor is particularly important during pregnancy because an Rh-negative mother can develop antibodies against the Rh-positive blood of the fetus, which can lead to complications.

What does a specific Blood Group and Rhesus Factor mean for health?

Knowledge of your blood group and Rhesus factor is essential for safely receiving blood products. It has no direct implication for your general health, but it plays a crucial role in specific medical situations such as pregnancy and operations.

Blood Group + Rhesus (Clotted Blood+)