Blood Components and Blood Groups

The fluid portion of blood, making up about 55% of blood volume. It's primarily composed of water, plasma proteins, and inorganic constituents like electrolytes.

The process of blood cell formation, primarily happening in the bone marrow.

A type of white blood cell primarily responsible for fighting infections by engulfing and destroying pathogens.

The red blood cell, containing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

A protein in red blood cells responsible for binding and carrying oxygen.

A group of proteins in the blood responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.

A blood group system based on the presence or absence of specific antigens (A, B, or both) on the surface of red blood cells.

A condition in which maternal antibodies attack the fetus's red blood cells, causing anemia and potential complications.

Hemolysis, a breakdown of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the plasma, causing jaundice. This excess hemoglobin can also damage kidney tubules, potentially leading to renal failure and even death.

A serious complication of blood transfusion characterized by a rapid decrease in blood pressure caused by the release of histamine, a substance that causes blood vessels to dilate.

A transfusion reaction characterized by an excess of potassium in the blood, often due to the release of potassium from damaged red blood cells, leading to dangerous heart rhythm problems and potentially sudden death. Often seen in patients with severe anemia or blood loss.

Transfusion reaction that occurs when the blood is contaminated with bacteria, often cold-growing gram-negative bacteria, leading to fever and shock.

A dangerous condition caused by an excessive infusion of citrate, a substance used to prevent blood clotting during storage, leading to a decrease in calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia) and acidity (acidosis).

Red blood cells are non-nucleated, flattened, disc-shaped cells with a biconcave shape. This shape increases their surface area, maximizing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen, allowing for oxygen transport throughout the body.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of approximately 120 days. After this period, old RBCs are removed by the spleen.

The ABO blood group system classifies individuals based on the presence or absence of specific antigens (A and B) on their red blood cells.

Agglutinogens are antigens found on the surface of red blood cells. They are responsible for determining blood group compatibility.

Agglutinins are antibodies found in plasma that react with specific agglutinogens on red blood cells.

The process of hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the plasma. It can be caused by various factors, like diseases or incompatible blood transfusions.

The red pigment of the blood is called hemoglobin. It binds to oxygen giving a bright red color and appears bluish when deoxygenated.

The process of transferring blood or blood-based products from one person into the circulatory system of another.

A severe reaction caused when the recipient's blood contains antibodies against the donor's red blood cells, leading to agglutination (clumping) and blockage of blood vessels.

A type of transfusion reaction that occurs quickly and involves the destruction of donor red blood cells by recipient antibodies. It can be life-threatening.

A type of transfusion reaction that happens later and involves the production of antibodies against donor red blood cells, which can lead to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). This reaction usually occurs several days after transfusion.

A serious condition that develops when an individual receives blood that is incompatible with their blood type.

The process of separating different blood components, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

A concentrated protein derived from plasma that is used to treat bleeding disorders, particularly those caused by a lack of clotting factors.

A type of blood product that contains clotting factors, albumin, and other proteins. It is used to treat various clotting disorders and other conditions.

Agglutinins are antibodies that bind to antigens on red blood cells. When multiple agglutinins bind to different red cells, the cells agglutinate, clumping together. This clumping can block small blood vessels, leading to destruction of the red blood cells by phagocytic cells and the reticuloendothelial system. The breakdown of red blood cells releases hemoglobin.

The Rhesus (Rh) system is a blood group system where the presence or absence of the D antigen determines an individual's blood type. Rh-positive individuals possess the D antigen, while Rh-negative individuals lack it. Rh-negative individuals can produce anti-D antibodies when exposed to Rh-positive blood cells.

Anti-D antibodies are antibodies formed in Rh-negative individuals in response to the D antigen found on Rh-positive blood cells. These antibodies can cause serious complications in future transfusions and during pregnancy.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a condition where the mother's anti-D antibodies cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus. This can lead to severe anemia, jaundice, and even death. It occurs when an Rh-negative mother has an Rh-positive fetus.

A transfusion of Rh-negative blood to replace the newborn's blood with Rh-negative blood, helping to alleviate the effects of HDN.

Giving anti-Rh antibodies to an Rh-negative mother after delivery to prevent sensitization. This helps to prevent the development of anti-D antibodies and reduces the risk of HDN in future pregnancies.

Rh-negative mothers who receive Rh-positive blood transfusions can develop anti-D antibodies. This emphasizes the importance of blood type matching and careful blood transfusions in females, especially those who could become pregnant in the future.