Blood Overview and Composition

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of administering Anti-D immunoglobulin to an Rh- female?

To treat existing antibodies in the mother's blood

To prevent the formation of anti-D antibodies (correct)

To enhance fetal development

To increase the chances of successful pregnancy

Which of the following is NOT considered a sensitising event for Rh- women?

Routine ultrasound check-up (correct)

Miscarriage

Ectopic pregnancy

Termination of pregnancy

What special care is required if sensitisation has occurred in an Rh- mother?

Regular monitoring of antibody concentration (correct)

No special care needed, normal check-ups apply

Immediate delivery of the fetus

Administration of antibiotics

When is Anti-D immunoglobulin typically administered to an Rh- female?

Before or immediately after any sensitising events Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions requires monitoring for possible fetal transfusions?

Haemolytic disease of the newborn Signup and view all the answers

Why do women who are Rh+ not receive Anti-D immunoglobulin?

They do not produce anti-D antibodies in the first place Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for an Rh- female following abdominal trauma during pregnancy?

Immediately receive Anti-D immunoglobulin Signup and view all the answers

How many donors contribute to the Anti-D plasma supply in Australia?

Close to 200 donors Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ABO gene in blood group determination?

It encodes an enzyme with glycosyltransferase activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which blood group lacks any modification to the glycoprotein?

O Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of anti-Rh antibodies in blood transfusions?

They react to Rh- blood only if previous exposure has occurred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Anti-D immunoglobulin during pregnancy for Rh- mothers?

To neutralize Rh+ antigens from the fetus. Signup and view all the answers

What condition may result from an Rh- mother carrying an Rh+ baby?

Hemolytic disease of the newborn. Signup and view all the answers

How often are Rh+ blood types found in the general population?

Over 80% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios could lead to the sensitization of an Rh- mother?

Carrying an Rh+ fetus. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Anti-D administered during pregnancy?

To prevent the mother from developing anti-D antibodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for determining blood group compatibility?

Type and number of red blood cell antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Rh factor in blood transfusions?

It can lead to hemolytic reactions if mismatched. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is anti-D immunoglobulin administered?

When there is a risk of Rh incompatibility Signup and view all the answers

What causes hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)?

Antibody-mediated destruction of fetal red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered a sensitizing event for Rh incompatibility during pregnancy?

Blood transfusion from an Rh-positive donor Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk factor for developing hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Previous pregnancy with an Rh-positive infant Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the Rh factor have on blood recipients during transfusions?

It can lead to the production of antibodies against Rh-positive blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding blood group O in transfusion compatibility?

It can donate to any blood group without reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Overview

Blood is a fluid connective tissue, thicker than water and flows more slowly.
Blood accounts for 8% of total body weight.
Average blood volume in males is 5-6 litres and 4-5 litres in females.
Blood temperature is 38°C, and pH is around 7.4 (range 7.35-7.45).

Blood Composition

55% of blood is plasma, primarily water.
45% of blood is formed elements: 99% red blood cells (erythrocytes), <1% white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes).

Blood Plasma

Over 90% water.
Proteins form 7% of plasma, mainly produced in the liver.
- Albumin maintains osmotic pressure
- Globulins include antibodies
- Fibrinogen is involved in blood clotting.
Other substances in plasma include electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, gases, and waste products.

Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes):
- Biconcave disk shape for increased surface area.
- Contain haemoglobin, giving blood its red colour.
- No nucleus, allowing more space for haemoglobin.
- Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
White Blood Cells (Leukocytes):
- Granular leukocytes (eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils) and agranular leukocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes).
- Involved in immune responses.
Platelets (Thrombocytes):
- Cell fragments involved in blood clotting.

Haemostasis

The process of stopping blood loss (bleeding).
- Vascular spasm (constriction of damaged blood vessels).
- Platelet plug formation (platelets adhere and aggregate).
- Blood clotting (coagulation) formation of fibrin threads.
- Extrinsic and intrinsic pathways for clotting cascade.

Erythrocyte Production (Haematopoiesis)

Occurs in red bone marrow of flat bones (sternum, ribs, skull & pelvis and ends of long bones).
Haemocytoblast (stem cell) is responsible for all formed elements.
~100 billion red blood cells/day are produced.
Erythrocytes live for ~120 days.
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone critical for erythropoiesis.

Blood Groups

ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups are significant in blood transfusions.
- Presence or absence of specific antigens on red blood cells determines blood type.
- Blood typing avoids incompatible blood transfusions.
- Mixing incompatible blood can result in agglutination and haemolysis.
Rhesus (Rh) factor is another important antigen on red blood cells.
- Rh-positive or Rh-negative.
- Anti-Rh antibodies are usually not present, unless the person is exposed to Rh positive blood.

Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

Occurs when a mother's Rh antibodies attack the baby's Rh +ve red blood cells, leading to anaemia and jaundice.
Sensitization can occur during pregnancy or other medical procedures.
Medical interventions can prevent or manage this disease.

Learning Outcomes

Briefly describe the composition and function of blood layers as obtained by haematocrit.
Describe the process of haemostasis and the clotting cascade.
Outline erythrocyte production (haematopoiesis).
Understand the basis of blood groups and apply to safe transfusion.

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Description

Explore the essential components of blood, including its composition, temperature, and the different types of blood cells and plasma. This quiz covers the basics of blood as a vital fluid connective tissue and its significance in the human body.