[SPECIAL 6] Importance of knowing your blood group
A blood type is a classification of blood that is based on the presence and absence of antibodies as well as the presence and absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of the red blood cells or RBC. The antigens may be composed of carbohydrates, glycoproteins, glucolipids or proteins which depends on the blood group system.
Blood types are inherited from both parents. The two most important blood group systems are ABO and RhD antigen in which they determine someone’s blood type such as A, B, AB or O, with + (positive) or – (Null) denoting RhD status.
The Rh blood group system is one of the 35 known human blood group systems which consists of 50 defined blood group antigens,
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Below are some important facts which could actually save your life.
1. Having an unhealthy lifestyle have affected so many people by becoming inflicted with various medical conditions. And sometimes, it gets worse to the point that a blood transfusion may be necessary. Not being able to know exactly your blood type in times like this would be delaying the possibility of helping you get cured of your disease.
2. More than knowing the blood type of a woman, if she plans to get pregnant, it is also important to know whether her blood type is Rh+ or Rh-. If the mother or the baby don’t have the same Rh blood, the incompatibility may result in a hemolytic disease. Early detection can save the life of the baby by having the mother receiving an injection.
3. Knowing your blood type is important should an emergency happens and may need a blood transfusion. Receiving the wrong blood type can be fatal. Hospitals run a blood test on all donors to ensure that they are given to the right recipient. During emergencies, Type O negative is used, is a universal donor.
4. You can readily donate blood to anyone who may need the same blood type as you