ABO Blood Group

immunohematologyBlood HealthBlood

A blood type is a classification system that allows healthcare providers to determine whether one person's blood is compatible with someone else's. In the ABO system, type A red blood cells carry the A antigen, type B carry the B antigen, type AB carry both, and type O carry neither.

Why it matters: Blood transfusions and organ transplants depend on donors and recipients having compatible blood types. If blood is received from a donor whose blood cells carry antigens the body does not recognise, the immune system may attack the donated red blood cells.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters

Common questions

What is ABO Blood Group?

A blood type is a classification system that allows healthcare providers to determine whether one person's blood is compatible with someone else's. In the ABO system, type A red blood cells carry the A antigen, type B carry the B antigen, type AB carry both, and type O carry neither.

What might a high or low ABO Blood Group mean?

Blood transfusions and organ transplants depend on donors and recipients having compatible blood types. If blood is received from a donor whose blood cells carry antigens the body does not recognise, the immune system may attack the donated red blood cells.

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