Name: rh factor in blood transfusions
Uploaded: 2024-07-18T13:36:57.000Z
Duration: 1 min 19 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

ohios-learning-standards-and-model-curriculum

Ohio’s Learning Standards and Model Curriculum

9-12

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Transport

Blood

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus or Rh antigen is a class of agglutinogen on the red blood cells or RBCs. Its presence or absence categorizes a person as Rh-positive or Rh-negative.
When reporting a person&#39;s blood group, the Rh antigen is typically combined with the A and B antigens.
For instance, the blood type of a person with antigens A and Rh is designated as A-positive. Conversely, in the absence of Rh antigen, the person&#39;s blood is referred to as A-negative.
Unlike the ABO system, the plasma does not naturally contain anti-Rh antibodies.
So, exposure to the Rh antigen can trigger an immune response in Rh-negative individuals, leading to hemolysis.
For example, suppose an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. In that case, the mother&#39;s immune system recognizes the Rh antigen on the fetal RBCs as foreign, triggering the production of anti-Rh antibodies.
Typically, these antibodies do not interfere in the first pregnancy. However, in subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive fetuses, the fetal RBCs are at risk of hemolysis due to the existing anti-Rh antibodies in the mother&#39;s blood.

rh blood group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.

The Rhesus Antigen and Blood Groups
The Rh antigen is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) in most individuals. Its presence or absence classifies a person&#39;s blood type as Rh-positive or Rh-negative. For instance, if someone with blood type A has the Rh antigen, they are classified as A positive (A+). Without the Rh antigen, their blood group is A negative (A-). Understanding the Rh factor is essential in transfusion medicine because incompatible Rh factors between donor and recipient can trigger an immune response, leading to blood cell destruction, or hemolysis, and potential complications.

The Role of the Rh Antigen in Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
The importance of the Rh antigen is particularly evident in pregnancy, specifically in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). HDN occurs when there is an incompatibility between the Rh factors of the mother and fetus. Suppose an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. In that case, her immune system may recognize the Rh antigen on the fetal RBCs as foreign, triggering the production of anti-Rh antibodies. In a first pregnancy, this typically does not cause problems. However, if the mother becomes pregnant again with an Rh-positive fetus, the anti-Rh antibodies from the first pregnancy can cross the placenta and attack the second fetus&#39;s Rh-positive RBCs, leading to hemolysis and HDN.

Preventing Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Given the risks associated with Rh incompatibility, preventive measures are essential. Rh-negative mothers often receive an injection of RhoGAM, a serum containing anti-Rh antibodies, during and after the birth of an Rh-positive baby. This prevents the mother&#39;s immune system from recognizing the Rh antigen as foreign, thereby stopping the production of anti-Rh antibodies and reducing the risk of HDN in subsequent pregnancies.

In conclusion, the Rh antigen plays a vital role in transfusion medicine, particularly in blood grouping and compatibility. Understanding its significance, especially concerning HDN, enables the implementation of effective preventive strategies to safeguard maternal and newborn health.

The Rhesus or Rh antigen is a class of agglutinogen on the red blood cells or RBCs. Its presence or absence categorizes a person as Rh-positive or ...

Education

JoVE Core

Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 1

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

rh factor in blood transfusions

The Rh factor is a protein on the surface of red blood cells and is an important part of blood typing. If the Rh antigen is present, a person is Rh-positive. If it is absent, the person is Rh-negative. For example, someone with type A blood can be A positive or A negative depending on whether the Rh antigen is found on their red blood cells.

Rh status matters in blood transfusions because donor and recipient blood must be compatible. If Rh factors do not match, the immune system can react against the donated red blood cells. This can cause hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells, and lead to serious problems.

The Rh factor is also important during pregnancy. Hemolytic disease of the newborn, or HDN, can happen when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. The mother may make anti-Rh antibodies after exposure to the fetal Rh antigen. In a first pregnancy, this often does not cause major harm.

Problems can arise in a later pregnancy with another Rh-positive fetus. The anti-Rh antibodies from the first pregnancy can cross the placenta and attack the fetus's Rh-positive red blood cells. This can lead to hemolysis and HDN. To help prevent this, Rh-negative mothers often receive RhoGAM during and after the birth of an Rh-positive baby. RhoGAM contains anti-Rh antibodies that stop the mother's immune system from forming its own anti-Rh antibodies.

Rh Factor in Blood Transfusions

overview of the cardiovascular system

Cardiac Pumping and Blood Flow Paths

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erythropoiesis

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factors affecting erythropoiesis

How EPO Controls Red Blood Cell Levels

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hemoglobin

Hemoglobin and Blood Gas Transport

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lifecycle of erythrocytes

How Red Blood Cells Are Recycled

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disorders of erythrocytes

Red Blood Cell Disorders and Blood Counts

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structure and function of leukocytes

How White Blood Cells Defend the Body

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classification of leukocytes

Leukocyte Types and Immune Roles

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Leukocyte Counts in Disease

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structure and function of platelets

How Platelets Help Blood Clot

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Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation in Hemostasis

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coagulation

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the abo blood group

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The Rh factor is a protein on the surface of red blood cells and is an important part of blood typing. If the Rh antigen is present, a person is Rh-positive. If it is absent, the person is Rh-negative. For example, someone with type A blood can be A positive or A negative depending on whether the Rh antigen is found on their red blood cells. Rh status matters in blood transfusions because donor and recipient blood must be compatible. If Rh factors do not match, the immune system can react...

blood typing

Blood Grouping with ABO and Rh

Blood grouping with the ABO and Rh systems identifies the antigens on red blood cells. These surface antigens help determine a person's blood type. They are also important for transfusion medicine, organ transplants, and pregnancy, where compatibility matters. The main antigens used in this process are A, B, and D, which is the Rh antigen. Antigens are protein molecules on the surface of red blood cells. Blood groups are identified by testing these antigens with specific anti-sera. <br...

blood transfusion

Matching Blood Types for Transfusion

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bone marrow sampling and transplants

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key terms and concepts

Learn how the Rh factor affects blood typing, transfusion compatibility, and hemolytic disease of the newborn, including the role of RhoGAM.

Rh Factor in Blood Transfusions | JoVE K12

anatomy and physiology

JoVE Core Anatomy and Physiology showcases the anatomical and physiological details of the human body in comprehensive, clear, and engaging video animations. This collection of lessons focuses on the structures, components, functions, and requirements of the human body. It is complemented by scientist-in-action videos that demonstrate the application of this knowledge in real-world medical and research settings.

Florida Department of Education

High School

Life Science

SC.912.L.14

SC.912.L.14.35

Overview of the Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular or circulatory system comprises the blood, the heart, and the blood vessels.
Blood is a specialized fluid comprising cells in a liquid ...

Characteristics and Functions of Blood

Approximately 8% of the body mass comprises whole blood, a specialized connective tissue vital for transportation, regulation, and protection.
The ...

Composition of Blood

Whole blood consists of the blood plasma, a fluid extracellular matrix, and formed elements, including cells and cell fragments.
Blood plasma, which makes ...

Composition of Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is a fluid that contains approximately 92% water and 8% solutes. The solutes include various types of proteins, which constitute about 7% of ...

Overview of Hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis, or hemopoiesis, is the production of the formed elements in blood from common progenitors, called hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs.
During ...

Production of Formed Elements

Hemangioblasts, the multipotent stem cells of mesodermal origin, give rise to hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs.
The HSCs undergo hematopoiesis to produce ...

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Hematopoietic growth factors are a group of regulatory and signaling molecules that influence the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs.
...

Erythropoiesis

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates erythrocyte numbers for optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents erythrocyte over-proliferation, maintaining blood ...

Structure and Function of Erythrocytes

There are 4.2 to 6 million erythrocytes, or red blood cells, per microliter of blood. These small cells are flattened biconcave discs with depressed ...

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a tetrameric globular protein consisting of two alpha and two beta polypeptide chains.
Each of these chains has an iron-containing heme ...

Lifecycle of Erythrocytes

The circulating erythrocytes frequently squeeze through blood capillaries, damaging their plasma membrane due to constant friction.
After about 100 to 120 ...

Disorders of Erythrocytes

Erythrocyte disorders are broadly categorized into anemic and polycythemic conditions.
Anemia develops due to the low oxygen-carrying capacity of the ...

Structure and Function of Leukocytes

A healthy individual has about 4,500 to 11,000 leukocytes or white blood cells per microliter of blood, accounting for about 1% of blood volume.
Unlike ...

Classification of Leukocytes

Leukocytes are classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules. Granular leukocytes, which contain granules, belong to ...

Disorders of Leukocytes

Leukocyte disorders are characterized by either leukopenia, an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, a very high leukocyte number.
Bone marrow ...

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 &#956;m and a thickness of roughly 1 &#956;m. They play a ...

Introduction to Hemostasis

Hemostasis is a series of rapid, defensive reactions triggered to stop excessive bleeding and promote healing after a vascular injury.
It is a highly ...

Vascular Spasm

The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. ...

Formation of the Platelet Plug

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As ...

Coagulation

Coagulation or clotting is the last hemostasis phase. It involves a series of chemical reactions to form a blood clot, reinforcing the initial platelet ...

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

The extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of coagulation involve reaction cascades of clotting factors. They merge into the common pathway, eventually forming ...

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

The activated platelets in a blood clot extend projections and interact with other platelets and fibrin fibers.
Within 30 to 60 minutes, the contractile ...

Disorders of Hemostasis

Thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders are two types of disruptions in hemostasis.
The thromboembolic disorders are characterized by the ...

The ABO Blood Group

The ABO blood group system is based on the presence of specific antigens or agglutinogens on the red blood cells, or RBCs, and antibodies or agglutinins ...

Blood Typing

The antigens A, B, and Rh on the surface of red blood cells serve as the foundation for blood grouping.
When these antigens come in contact with their ...

Blood Transfusion

A blood transfusion is a medical procedure to replace lost whole blood or its components due to injury, surgery, or treatment for conditions like anemia ...

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplants replace diseased marrow with healthy marrow from a compatible host. It can cure several cancers and genetic disorders like ...

Blood

Content elaboration: Blood is composed of plasma and the formed elements: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). The primary functions of blood are transportation, protection and regulation. Plasma, the most abundant component of blood, is the liquid portion that transports dissolved nutrients, waste, hormones, antibodies and proteins throughout the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen used during cellular processes throughout the body. White blood cells identify and protect the body against infectious disease and foreign cells. Platelets bind together when a blood vessel is damaged resulting in blood clot formation. The major ABO blood types, A, B, AB and O, are determined by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells. An additional antigen is present or absent on the surface of red blood cells determining Rh factor. Blood type antibodies are found in plasma. Processes related to blood include the production of blood cells and platelets, and hemostasis. Homeostatic imbalances are explored. These include, but are not limited to, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, deep vein thrombosis, leukemia and lymphoma. Investigations are used to understand and explain blood in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that can incorporate evolutionary concepts, scientific reasoning, comparative analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

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Chambers of the Heart

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overview-of-systemic-and-pulmonary-circulation

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Coronary Circulation

The myocardium has its own network of blood vessels, separate from the systemic and pulmonary circuits, called the coronary circulation.
The left and ...

Conduction System of the Heart

Autorhythmicity refers to the innate ability of the heart to initiate electrical signals and trigger muscle contractions.
This intrinsic conduction system ...

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It is performed by placing ...

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During atrial systole, cardiac action ...

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Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle

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Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

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Heart Sounds

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Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume

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Cardiovascular System

Content elaboration: The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels. The heart is mostly comprised of cardiac muscle which is supplied with oxygenated blood by coronary arteries. The structure of the heart includes four chambers, four valves and major vessels leading to and from the heart. The flow of blood through the heart, pulmonary and systemic circuits should be explored. Blood flows from arteries, to arterioles, to capillaries, to venules, then to veins. In the capillaries, oxygen, nutrients, and chemical messengers diffuse out (leave) and carbon dioxide and other waste products diffuse in (enter). Veins have valves that keep the blood flowing toward the heart. The primary function of the cardiovascular system is the transport of oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, nutrients, waste products and chemical messengers. Processes involved in the cardiovascular system include the cardiac cycle and cardiac and conductive pathway which is measured by electrocardiograms and blood pressure. Homeostatic imbalances are explored. These include, but are not limited to, a variety of cardiovascular diseases and structural imperfections of the heart, valves and vessels. Examples include, but are not limited to, myocardial infarction, aneurysm, atherosclerosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypo/hypertension and arrhythmias. Investigations are used to understand and explain the cardiovascular system in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that can incorporate evolutionary concepts, scientific reasoning, comparative analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

Cardiovascular System

Rh Factor in Blood Transfusions

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