Knowing your blood type is crucial for medical emergencies, such as blood transfusions or organ transplants. There are 29 different blood group systems, with ABO and Rhesus being the most common. A mismatched transfusion can cause severe immune system reactions, and organ transplants require a match in blood type. Pregnant women should also know their blood type to prevent complications with their fetus.
When asked, many people don’t know their blood type, but it’s very important in a medical emergency that may require a blood transfusion or organ transplant. The study of blood is a special specialty of medicine known as hematology. There are 29 different blood group systems, each represented by specific elements found on the surface of red blood cells. The most common blood group systems are ABO and Rhesus.
A person’s blood type becomes a crucial issue when a blood transfusion is needed. If an individual is transfused with the wrong type of blood, a reaction can occur that severely compromises the immune system. There are different levels at which a mismatched transfusion can occur, from a minor to a major mismatch. Minor factors can lead to very minor problems, but a severe blood type incompatibility during a transfusion can be serious.
Blood type is so important during a transfusion that donors who donate blood to a blood bank must meet certain requirements. A blood transfusion is closely monitored, often by a hematologist, and the ordering of blood products in the United States is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
In the case of an organ transplant, the tissue of the donor organ must match the blood type of the recipient. A mismatch can cause rejection and therefore, without a positive match, the transplant will not be conducted. Individuals placed on a transplant waiting list have their blood type thoroughly tested before being placed on the list.
Knowing your blood type is also important for a pregnant woman and her fetus. A woman’s blood type is usually determined during routine blood tests in early pregnancy. In cases where the mother’s type does not match that of the baby, which are common, it is possible for the mother’s body to develop antibodies to defend against the red blood cells of the fetus. If these antibodies pass through the placenta, they can cause the baby to develop a blood disorder or disease. While most complications of this situation are mild to moderate, serious or even fatal reactions can occur.
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