Understanding the Characteristics of Blood Types A, B, AB, and O

Determining the type of blood group is important, especially during blood transfusions, so that the transfused blood does not cause a resistance reaction from the body. This is because each blood type has its own characteristics that make it cannot be mixed with other blood types.

Blood type examination can be done through a blood test. In general, blood types are divided into four main types, namely A, B, AB, and O.

Determination of blood group is done based on the type of antigen contained in the blood, namely antigen A and antigen B, as well as antibodies produced to destroy these antigens.

Various Types and Classifications of Blood Types

In general, there are two techniques used to classify blood, namely using the ABO and rhesus systems. The following is a grouping of blood groups using the ABO system:

A blood type

People with blood type A have the A antigen on their red blood cells. In addition, people with blood type A produce antibodies to fight red blood cells with the B antigen.

Blood type B

Those with type B blood have the A antigen on their red blood cells. People with this blood type produce A antibodies to fight red blood cells with the A antigen.

AB blood type

If you have type AB blood, it means you have A and B antigens on your red blood cells. It also means you don't have A and B antibodies in your blood.

Blood type O

People who have blood type O do not have the A and B antigens on their red blood cells. However, people who have blood type O produce antibodies A and B in their blood.

In addition to the ABO blood group classification, blood can also be reclassified based on the rhesus factor it has. Rhesus factor is an antigen or protein present on the surface of red blood cells. In this system, blood types are divided into rhesus positive and rhesus negative.

If your red blood cells have the Rh factor, your blood type is Rh positive. On the other hand, your blood type is Rh negative if you don't have the Rh factor.

Role of Blood Type in Blood Transfusion

Previously, the owner of blood type O could donate blood to someone with blood types A, B, AB, and O, but now it is not recommended. This is because type O blood still has the possibility of producing a blood transfusion reaction, even though the risk is relatively small.

However, type O blood can still be used as a blood transfusion for emergency situations or when the supply of blood type with the appropriate type is not sufficient.

In contrast to those with blood type O who are universal donors, people with blood type AB are universal recipients of blood. This means that a person with blood type AB can get a blood donor from blood type A, B, AB, or O.

This is because the owner of blood type AB does not have A or B antibodies, so his body will not produce an immune reaction when he gets blood.

On the other hand, a person who is Rh negative can donate blood to a person who is both Rh negative and Rh positive. However, a donor who is Rh positive can only donate blood to someone who is Rh positive.

For further explanation, you can pay attention to the table containing the match between red blood cells of donors and recipients of blood donors below:

Blood Plasma Donation and Transfusion

Blood transfusions can be done to give red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, or blood plasma. Blood plasma transfusions can be performed as a treatment for certain diseases, such as convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19.

The following is a table of blood plasma compatibility between recipients and donors:

Knowing the type of blood, both from donors and recipients of blood donors, is very important to prevent complications. In addition, it is important for pregnant women to know the rhesus blood of the baby in their womb to prevent rhesus incompatibility.

Rhesus incompatibility is a condition when the rhesus of the mother and the fetus are different, so that the mother's body produces antibodies to destroy the blood of the fetus. If not treated immediately, this condition can endanger the baby at birth.

Effect of Parent's Blood Type on Children

Previously it was mentioned that the blood type of a child is inherited from the genes of both parents. However, keep in mind that a child's blood type is not always the same as that of his father or mother. There are several combinations of blood types that can produce different types of blood types.

The following are blood types that a child may have according to the combination of blood types:

• If parents have blood type O and O, the child can have blood type O.
• If parents have blood types O and A, the child can have blood type O or A.
• If parents have blood types O and B, the child can have blood type O or B.
• If parents have blood types A and A, the child can have blood type O or A.
• If parents have blood types A and B, children can have blood types O, A, B, or AB.
• If parents have blood types B and B, the child can have blood type O or B.
• If parents have blood types AB and O, the child can have blood type A or B.
• If parents have blood types AB and A, children can have blood types A, B, or AB.
• If parents have blood types AB and B, children can have blood types A, B, or AB.
• If parents have blood types AB and AB, children can have blood types A, B, or AB.

Knowing the type of blood type can be useful for you and others who need blood transfusions, as well as for pregnant women to anticipate disturbances to the fetus. If you want to know what your blood type is, consult a doctor to do a blood type check.