Explain the ABO blood system and why is it important to fully understand this system in regard to blood transfusions
What will be an ideal response?
Glycoproteins (antigens) are located on the surface of the red blood cells and are genetically inherited. Understanding the ABO blood system is extremely important, especially when transfusing blood. If a blood cell contains the A antigen on its surface, this is type A blood. If a B antigen is present, the blood is type B. If both antigens are present on the surface of a blood cell, this person is type AB. When the blood cell lacks A and B antigens, the blood is type O. If type A blood is introduced to type B blood, the blood will agglutinate because both blood types have antibodies against the other. Individuals with type AB blood can receive blood that is type A, B, AB, or O. Type O can be donated without the risk of agglutination because this blood type lacks A and B antigens and produces no response. In contrast, people with O type can receive only type O blood.
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