Blood Group

Blood Typing and Blood Group

The cell wall contains many antigenic proteins, which determine the blood type. Among these proteins are the antigens. A and B, the major blood group factors. Blood with antigen B is group B. Blood with both antigens is called AB, and blood with neither is called group O. Normally, the plasma of every person contains an antibody against the A or B antigens in the red cells are determined by mixing the cells with known typing serums.

The antibodies in the serum or plasma are determined by mixing it with cells of known A or B type. Such typing is necessary in preparation for blood transfusion. Antigens of the various Rh and Hr types, M and N, S and Kell, Duffy, and many others also exist in the red blood cell. All like the A and B antigens, are inherited. When the red cell antigens are determined, they show so many different combinations as to make a persons blood type almost as individual as a fingerprint.

Antibodies against antigens other than A and B do not normally occurs in the plasma. They may appear after transfusion, however, and may cause transfusion reactions and destruction of red blood cells or hemolytic disease of the newborn.

According to the AB0 blood typing system there are four different kinds of blood types: A, B, AB or 0 (null).

Blood group A

If you belong to the blood group A, you have A antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and B antibodies in your blood plasma.

Blood group B

If you belong to the blood group B, you have B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and A antibodies in your blood plasma.

Blood group AB

If you belong to the blood group AB, you have both A and B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and no A or B antibodies at all in your blood plasma.

Blood Type O

Why are some people plagued by poor health while others seem to live healthy. Does blood type influence personality? A single drop of blood contains a biochemical make up as unique as your fingerprint. Your blood type is a key to unlocking the secrets to your biochemical individuality. Foods and supplements contain lectins that interact with your cells depending on your blood type. This explains why some nutrients which are beneficial to one blood type, may be harmful to the cells of another.