Each human has a different group of blood circulating in their body, grant them unique properties.
There are four main types of blood groups as determined by the presence or absence of two antigens – A and B – on RBCs’ surface and a protein called RH factor.
What Are the Basic Elements of Blood?
On average, a normal human has about 4-6 liters of blood. The main components of the blood are floating cells that make up the fluid called plasma. Here are the main elements of the blood with their typical function:-
The Red Blood Cells
These are the type of blood cells that functions for delivering oxygen to the various tissues in your body after the removal of Carbon dioxide.
The White Blood Cells
WBCs are another essential component of the blood that safeguards the human body. Their chief work is to destroy invaders and fight infection.
Platelets
This component of the blood, the platelets, helps in blood clotting.
Blood Plasma
The blood plasma is a fluid made up of proteins and salt.
The unique element of human blood is the combination of protein molecules called antigen and antibodies. While antigens live on the surface of the RBCs, the antibodies reside in your plasma. The combination of the antigens and antibodies in your blood determines the blood type of a person.
The Blood Testing Process
In the blood testing process, the sample of your blood is mixed with different plasma samples with different antibodies. For example, if the person’s plasma contains anti-A antibodies in the RBCs, which clumps it, the resulting antigen in the blood cells is A antigen. So, by doing a series of tests, the determination of the blood group can take place.
How do Blood Groups Help in Blood Transfusion?
Each year, almost 4.5 lives are saved by blood transfusions
For safe transfusion, it is crucial to know the right blood group – the wrong transfusion may cause blood diseases and even death of the recipient.
- The universal red cell donor has a Type O negative blood
- The universal plasma donor has a Type AB blood
7 Interesting Facts About ABO Blood Types
Fact 1# A person with a negative group (e.g., o-ve) is due to the absence of RH factor, a protein in their blood
Fact 2# O – is the ”universal donor” and found in the rarest of human beings. This blood group can donate blood to A, B, and AB, all three of them.
Fact3 # AB+ are the ”universal recipients.” An AB+ can receive blood from any blood group, be it A, B, AB, or O
Fact 4# Japanese predict that blood groups can determine the qualities of a person. For, e.g.:- A blood refers to calm, B to practical, and O to energetic.
Fact 5# As per a journal, Plos One, “people with negative blood types tend to develop more mental health issues like panic disorders.”
Fact 6# 53% of the Latino-American have O+ blood type, and 4% of them have O- type.
Fact 7# Each year, almost 4.5 lives are saved by blood transfusions. Every 2 seconds an American needs blood transfusion
Know your blood group and become an active-donor this Blood Donor Day!
“Safe blood saves lives.”
