“Knowing your blood type is very important whether you’re giving to someone else or having to receive it,” Ortiz-Plaza said. The combination of an individual's blood group (A, B, AB, O) and the presence or absence of the Rh antigen, positive or negative, determines an individual's blood type. Individuals who have these antigens are known as Rh positive and individuals without them are Rh negative. The presence or absence of this antigen helps determine an individual’s exact blood type. In addition to A and B antigens, blood also has a D antigen. Group O blood has neither A nor B antigens but has both A and B antibodies. Group AB blood has both A and B antigens and neither A nor B antibodies. Group B whole blood has B antigens and A antibodies. Group A whole blood has A antigens and B antibodies. Packed red blood cells contain antigens and fresh frozen plasma contains antibodies. When a donor gives a unit of whole blood, it is usually processed into two components: packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma, Ortiz-Plaza said. This might result in producing an antibody that will react specifically with that antigen. Tiny markers known as antigens, which cover the cell’s surface, determine these blood groups.Īn antigen is any substance that, when introduced into a body and recognized as foreign, will bring about an immune response. That is why we test and cross-match blood products that will be transfused.”īlood types fall into one of four blood groups: A, B, AB and O. At any rate, it will make the recipient very ill and could even cause death. “If a patient receives the wrong blood type, it can result in a transfusion reaction with symptoms ranging from a fever to kidney failure. “Knowing what blood types are compatible with others when transfusing blood is very important,” Ortiz-Plaza said.
When these situations happen and someone needs a blood transfusion, one of the main steps in the process is knowing the individual’s blood type. “So, if you have your health, celebrate it by giving blood to those who are not as fortunate and to help us be ready for those ‘just in case’ situations.” “It’s too late to donate blood when an emergency happens - people will need it immediately,” said Felix Ortiz-Plaza, Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center quality assurance officer. So, military officials rely on the Armed Services Blood Program to ensure an ample supply is available for any situation. If a catastrophe or mass casualty situation happens, that number goes up drastically. The Department of Defense needs about 400 units of blood every day just to meet operational requirements. They all rely on caring individuals to donate blood to help them recover from their wounds and illnesses. FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - A child with a rare blood disease an adult injured in a vehicle accident someone with cancer and a warrior injured on the battlefield all have something in common.
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