Blood type

This article is about blood type in humans. For other uses, see Blood type (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Human blood group systems.
Blood type (or blood group) is determined, in part, by the ABO blood group antigens present on red blood cells.

A blood type (also known as a blood group) is a classification of blood, based on the presence and absence of antibodies and inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, depending on the blood group system. Some of these antigens are also present on the surface of other types of cells of various tissues. Several of these red blood cell surface antigens can stem from one allele (or an alternative version of a gene) and collectively form a blood group system.[1]

Blood types are inherited and represent contributions from both parents of an individual. As of 31 December 2023, a total of 45[2] human blood group systems are recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT).[3] The two most important blood group systems are ABO and Rh; they determine someone's blood type (A, B, AB, and O, with + or − denoting RhD status) for suitability in blood transfusion.

  1. ^ Maton, Anthea; Jean Hopkins; Charles William McLaughlin; Susan Johnson; Maryanna Quon Warner; David LaHart; Jill D. Wright (1998). Human Biology and Health. Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-981176-1.
  2. ^ Cox, David. "A new understanding of how your blood type influences your health" (2024). New Scientist, 27 January 2024, Issue 3475 (https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134751-500-a-new-understanding-of-how-your-blood-type-influences-your-health/).
  3. ^ "Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology". International Society of Blood Transfusion. 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 25 April 2023.