• Question: What are blood types?

    Asked by eliterippz to Jo, Mark, timcraggs on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Tim Craggs

      Tim Craggs answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Hi Eliterippz,

      Good question.

      A blood type (also called a blood group) is a classification of blood, which allows doctors to work out what blood you could be given in a transfusion.

      Different blood groups have different molecules attached to the surface of the red blood cells, and also different antibodies in the blood plasma. These make some blood types compatible as donors to the others, and some actually really dangerous as donors!

      Blood types are inherited and represent contributions from both parents.

    • Photo: Joanna Buckley

      Joanna Buckley answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Great question, eliterippz! You’re on form with these 🙂

      Everyone has their own blood type but they fall into various categories. Basically if you’re involved in an accident where you’re losing lots of your own blood, the doctors need to know which your blood group is so they can give you the same time back. This blood comes from blood donors. Blood comes in four main types – O, A, B and AB. Group O is the most common and is in high demand.

      The difference between the O, A, B and AB blood types has to do with the type of antibodies stuck onto your red blood cells

      Do you know your blood type? You can get to know if you ever have a blood sample taken or if you ever become a blood donor. I very nearly fainted the last time… apparently I turned green!! This is only because I am a big wimp 🙂

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