Blutgruppen

Blutgruppen, also known as blood types, are classifications of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body. The most well-known and clinically significant blood group systems are the ABO system and the Rh system.

The ABO system categorizes blood into four main types: A, B, AB, and O. Type A blood has A antigens, Type B has B antigens, Type AB has both A and B antigens, and Type O has neither. Antibodies against these antigens are also present in the plasma. For instance, individuals with Type A blood have anti-B antibodies, while those with Type O blood have both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.

The Rh system is determined by the presence or absence of the RhD antigen. Blood is classified as Rh-positive if the RhD antigen is present and Rh-negative if it is absent. This distinction is particularly important during pregnancy, as Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Blood typing is crucial for safe blood transfusions. Transfusing blood of an incompatible type can cause a severe, life-threatening reaction known as a transfusion reaction, where the recipient's antibodies attack the transfused red blood cells. Generally, Type O negative blood is considered a universal donor for red blood cells because it lacks A, B, and RhD antigens, making it less likely to provoke an immune response. Conversely, Type AB positive individuals are often considered universal recipients for red blood cells as they have neither anti-A, anti-B, nor anti-RhD antibodies. Understanding blood groups is also important in forensic science and in determining paternity.