Article updated on March 31, 2024
I blood groups they are characterized based on the presence of specific proteins on the surface of red blood cells, the appearance of which is genetic in nature. Consequently, they cannot vary over the course of a lifetime and are of crucial in all those situations in which they are carried out transfusions or specific maneuvers in the medical field, so as to avoid the risk of rejection. The existence of the classification of blood groups as we know it today is due to Karl Landsteiner who, in 1901, identified the system AB0 (ABzero). The following research highlighted the presence of competitive factors that distinguish the different blood types (Rh) – deriving from Rhesus, the macaque in which it was characterized – which facilitate the analysis of compatibility between subjects with different blood proteins.
In this article, therefore, we have decided to open a brief illustrative overview regarding main characteristics of blood division between individuals, so as to analyze how it is possible to study blood groups and their application in the medical field. The important efforts made by people interested in regular donation, in fact, allow us to increasingly count on precious material used in the medical field in order to help patients who need a concrete help. The commitment of professionals in the sector, therefore, passes through the desire to inform subjects on the actual nature of blood and its reference groups: here’s what to keep in mind to be a conscious donor!
Blood group: the main methods of classification
The initial classification is based on the presence or absence of antigenic proteins A and B. What is it specifically? In other words, to determine the nature of a given blood group just follow the following method scientifically used by all medical departments in the world: if there is protein A on a red blood cell you have the group Aif that of the B protein is present group Bwhile with the co-presence of both A and B we speak AB group and if there is no protein you have the group 0.
Although the International Society of Blood Transfusion recognizes to date 30 different blood group classification systems, the majority of secondary antigens – which are located in the most superficial part of the red blood cells – do not cause a change in the reference group initially studied by K. Landsteiner. Among the various classification methods that are less known and used, we remember: the sistema MNSil system Kell and the Lewis systemwhich differ in being positive or negative for each blood group model that is included in the official and recognized list.
Blood type: Rh and compatibility
Blood group classification (TantaSalute.it) Compatibility between blood groups
We have already said how much each group can be Rh positive o Rh negativedepending on the presence ofantigene Rh Da protein that further complicates the AB0 classification which concerns the blood type of any individual.
Down there-classification of blood groupstherefore, can be summarized as follows:
A Rh D positive (A+) A Rh D negative (A-) B Rh D positive (B+) B Rh D negative (B-) 0 Rh D positive (0+) 0 Rh D negative (0-) AB Rh D positivo (AB+) AB Rh D negative (AB-)
Consequently, what does the compatibility between blood groups what do you often hear about? Our immune system reacts to the presence of blood that is not recognized as part of our body. In other words, the production of antibodies can bind to particular antigens, the reaction of which risks causing a phenomenon destruction of red blood cells by agglutination. Understanding the nature of blood classification, therefore, is the first useful step to avoid such a problem in subjects involved in transfusions on a daily basis.
Blood group: donation and nature of antibodies
Generally speaking, it is important to note that a person whose blood belongs to the group A develops antibodies that fight group B proteinswhile a subject of the group B has antibodies that react negatively against group A proteins. In the case of individuals of group 0, both A and B blood antibodies are presentwith the consequent need to receive blood only from people with group 0 in the same way. An individual from group AB, on the other hand – who has both antigenic proteins – will not produce antibodies because if he did so he would destroy his own red blood cells.
In summarythe patient can receive:
If it belongs to group A both from donors with group A and 0
If it belongs to group B both from donors with group B and 0
If it belongs to AB it is from donors of groups A, B, AB and 0
If it belongs to 0 only from donors with group 0.
Blood groups in pregnancy
Blood groups characterize the human being in his specificity in a unique and unrepeatable way: as they are elements that have their roots in genetic conformation of the individual, they also have a privileged relationship during the pregnancy phase. In some situations, the fetus may have a different group than the maternal one, with the consequent presence in the woman of antibodies against the red blood cells of the child she is carrying. In such situations, the risk that the fetus runs is that of developing hemolytic diseases; the medical condition is defined by professionals in the sector as erythroblastosis fetalis and must be monitored from the early stages of pregnancy.
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