When we go to medical check -up it is common for our blood to ask us, especially if we are going to have any surgical process or we are going to do Blood donation. Although it is summarized in a letter, or two, the blood type indicates what proteins we have in the red blood cells and can save them life.
“Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets The blood type will depend on the antigens that are on the surface of the red blood cells, ”explains Carlos Castillo, general practitioner. The blood type of each person will depend on the genes inherited on their parents.
Antigens are molecules that have several functions, including, transporting molecules inside and outside the cell, maintaining the structure of red blood cells and detecting unwanted cells that could cause disease.
“These antigens are proteins and sugars that our body uses to determine that these red blood cells belong to us. Therefore, it is important that when receiving a blood donation is of the right type, because otherwise it could cause a reaction of rejection,” adds Castillo.
What are blood types
Approximately, in 1900 the pathologist Karl Landsteiner made several blood mixtures to determine which are compatible. In this way he classified four groups with the ABO typification system, which separates them according to the types of antigens in the red blood cells and the antibodies in the plasma.
Alejandro Ortega, internist, explains that there are two systems, ABO and RHD, to determine the type of blood. Currently, there are four ABO groups:
- Type A: The surface of the red blood cells contains antigen A and the plasma has anti-b antibodies.
- Type B: The surface of the red blood cells contains antigen A and the plasma has anti-b antibodies.
- Type AB: Red blood cells have antigens A and B, but plasma does not contain anti-b antibodies. This group can receive any type of blood.
- Type O: Plasma contains anti-A anti-B antibodies, but the surface of red blood cells does not contain antigens to or B. Anyone can receive this type of blood.
Blood exam
The way in which a person’s blood type is determined is through a blood sample.
The blood sample is mixed with antibodies against type A and type B blood. Thus, the sample is checked to determine whether blood cells are compatible or not. If the blood cells remain together, that means that the blood reacted with one of the antibodies, it is read on the Medlineplus portal.
Then the inverse test is performed. The liquid part of the blood is mixed with some kind that is known that it belongs to type A or B. People with type A blood have anti-b antibodies. People who have type B blood have anti-A antibodies. The blood type or contains both types of antibodies.