Do you know what blood type you are? Well, it turns out that many people have no idea at all. Yet, it has been shown that your blood type could make you more susceptible to developing certain medical conditions. Your blood type is inherited genetically and determined by the presence of certain antigens. Let’s take a look at these blood types and learn more about how they link to your health.
The ABO Blood Group System
The ABO blood group system was developed by Dr. Karl Landsteiner as a way to classify the various types of blood. These blood types are categorized by analyzing certain proteins called antigens. These proteins can be found in the plasma’s antibodies and red blood cells. Based on the type of antigen found in your red blood cells, you will either be categorized as Type A, Type B, Type AB, or Type O. They are also determined by the presence of the Rh factor, another substance found in red blood cells. If your blood cells contain the Rh antigen, they are categorized as Rh positive. If they don’t contain the Rh antigen, they are labelled as Rh negative.
Why It’s Important To Know Your Blood Type
If you are required to undergo a blood transfusion, the doctors will analyze your RhD antigen status to determine compatibility. According to Dr. Guggenheim from the Abramson Cancer Center Cherry Hill, “When antigens come into contact with substances that are unfamiliar to your body, such as certain bacteria, they trigger a response from your immune system. The same type of response can occur during a blood transfusion if your donor’s blood type doesn’t match with yours. In that case, your blood cells could clump and cause potentially fatal complications”.
Testing For Blood Type
