Blood+

Blood+ is a term that refers to the positive blood group in the ABO blood group system. This system is used to denote the different types of human blood, which are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Overview

The ABO blood group system is the most important blood type system in human blood transfusion. The associated antibodies and antigens are usually demonstrable in the blood plasma by the time an individual reaches six months of age.

The "+" in Blood+ refers to the Rh factor, another important antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. If this antigen is present, the blood type is Rh positive. If it is absent, the blood type is Rh negative.

ABO Blood Group System

The ABO blood group system is based on the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B. Individuals can have either A, B, both, or neither of these antigens on the surface of their red blood cells. This results in four possible blood types: A, B, AB, and O.

Rh Factor

The Rh factor is another important antigen in the blood. It was first discovered in the rhesus monkey, which is why it is called the Rh factor. If this antigen is present on the surface of the red blood cells, the blood type is Rh positive. If it is absent, the blood type is Rh negative.

Blood Transfusion

In blood transfusion, it is crucial to match compatible blood types. If incompatible blood types are mixed, it can lead to a potentially fatal immune response. The immune system will attack the foreign red blood cells, leading to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

See Also

• ABO blood group system
• Rh factor
• Blood transfusion
• Antigen
• Antibody