Rh blood group

Rh blood group system is a human blood group system. It contains proteins that exist on the surface of red blood cells, and which can trigger immune responses. The Rh system is the second most significant blood-group system in human-blood transfusion, with currently 50 antigens.

Overview

The Rh blood group system consists of 50 defined blood-group antigens, among which the five antigens D, C, c, E, and e are the most important. The Rh antigens are responsible for the Rh blood group system. If your blood has the protein, you're Rh positive. If your blood lacks the protein, you're Rh negative.

Rh factor

Rh factor is a protein on the surface of red blood cells. Most people are Rh positive. Those who do not have the Rh factor are Rh negative. This factor is important if you are pregnant or receiving a blood transfusion.

Rh positive and Rh negative

People with Rh positive blood can receive Rh positive or Rh negative blood. But people with Rh negative blood should only receive Rh negative blood. If Rh positive blood is given to someone with Rh negative blood, it could result in a reaction where the body produces antibodies against the Rh factor, potentially causing a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn in future pregnancies, or a transfusion reaction if receiving a blood transfusion.

Rh incompatibility

Rh incompatibility can occur during pregnancy if a woman with Rh-negative blood becomes pregnant with a baby who has Rh-positive blood. If the mother's blood comes into contact with the baby's blood, the mother's body will produce antibodies against the baby's blood. This is not usually a problem in a first pregnancy, but can cause problems in later pregnancies if the baby is Rh positive.

Prevention and treatment

Rh incompatibility can be prevented with the use of Rho(D) immune globulin, a medication that prevents the mother's body from producing Rh antibodies. If a woman with Rh-negative blood has already developed Rh antibodies, a blood transfusion for the baby may be necessary either during pregnancy or after the baby is born.

See also

• Blood type
• Blood transfusion
• Hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Rho(D) immune globulin

Rh blood group Resources
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