How many diff blood types

How much blood is in the human body? The ABO blood group system classifies blood types according to the different types of antigens in the red blood cells and antibodies in the plasma. They use the ABO system alongside the RhD antigen status to determine which blood type or types will match for a safe red blood cell transfusion. Group A : The surface of the red blood cells contains A antigen, and the plasma has anti-B antibody. Anti-B antibody would attack blood cells that contain B antigen.

Group B : The surface of the red blood cells contains B antigen, and the plasma has anti-A antibody. Anti-A antibody would attack blood cells that contain A antigen. Group O : The plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, but the surface of the red blood cells does not contain any A or B antigens.

Since these antigens are not present, a person with any ABO blood type can receive this type of blood. Some red blood cells have Rh factor, also known as the RhD antigen. Rhesus grouping adds another dimension. If the red blood cells contain the RhD antigen, they are RhD positive. If they do not, they are RhD negative.

Doctors need to take into account both ABO and Rh when considering blood types. Some are more common than others. The rarest blood group type is AB negative.

These are the main types. Within the eight main groups, are there also many lesser-known and less common blood types. O negative blood contains no A, B, or RhD antigens. Almost anyone with any blood type can receive these red blood cells. A person with group O negative blood is a universal donor. The rules for plasma are the opposite of those for Rh. A universal plasma donor will have type AB blood.

Before a person receives donated blood, doctors will check that this blood is compatible. Giving someone the wrong blood type can lead to potentially life-threatening reactions and complications. If someone with group B antigen receives red blood cells from someone with group A antigen, their body will launch an immune response and reject the transfusion. This can lead to blood clots, which can obstruct blood vessels.

If they break, hemoglobin can leak out, and this can be toxic. Other possible adverse effects include allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. The universal red cell donor has Type O negative blood.

The universal plasma donor has Type AB blood. For more about plasma donation, visit the plasma donation facts. Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U. There are more than other known antigens, the presence or absence of which creates " rare blood types. If you somehow lack an antigen that Like eye color, blood type is passed genetically from your parents. Whether your blood group is type A, B, AB or O is based on the blood types of your mother and father.

Testing difficulties can cause exceptions to the above patterns. ABO blood typing is not sufficient to prove or disprove paternity or maternity. Now that you know how your blood type can help recipients, please schedule an appointment to donate today. Blood Types. San Jose, CA The Tech is a registered c 3. Federal ID Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Stanford University or the Department of Genetics.

The Tech Interactive. Blood Types. Back to Blood Types. How many blood types are there and what are they? Can new types develop over time? Evolution of Blood Types Type A blood is actually thought to be the most ancient. More Information More about blood types Facts about blood and blood types Why we have different blood types Rhesus factor evolution New blood types identified Selected References Ranadhir, M et al.

Calafell, F. Search Ask a Geneticist. Volver a la lista de Preguntas.