Learning Objective
Explain the ABO and Rh blood group systems, including RBC antigens, plasma antibodies, and clinical transfusion compatibility.
ABO Classification
| Blood Group | RBC Antigens | Plasma Antibodies | Can Receive RBCs From | Can Donate RBCs To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | A | Anti-B | A, O | A, AB |
| B | B | Anti-A | B, O | B, AB |
| AB | A & B | None | A, B, AB, O | AB only |
| O | None | Anti-A, Anti-B | O only | A, B, AB, O |
Clinical relevance:
- ABO incompatibility → hemolytic reactions
- Universal donor for RBCs: O
- Universal recipient: AB
Rh (D) Classification
| Rh Type | RBC Antigens | Plasma Antibodies | Can Receive RBCs From | Can Donate RBCs To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rh-positive (Rh⁺) | D antigen | None | Rh⁺, Rh⁻ | Rh⁺ only |
| Rh-negative (Rh⁻) | None | Anti-D | Rh⁻ only | Rh⁺, Rh⁻ |
Clinical relevance:
- Rh incompatibility can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn
- Anti-D antibodies develop after exposure to Rh⁺ blood in Rh⁻ individuals
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