Blood has a crucial role in transporting hormones, nutrients, respiratory gases, hormones, etc. throughout the human body. Along with lymph, it is characterised as a fluid connective tissue because blood cells create connections between organs.

In addition to its role in transportation, blood participates in a variety of thermoregulatory functions, including the maintenance and regulation of body temperature, pH, and metabolism. According to the opinions and findings of scientists, the total volume of blood in the human body should be approximately 7% to 8% of the total body weight, or approximately 5 to 5.5 litres or 1.5 gallons.

What are Blood Groups?

Blood groups are the classification of blood based on the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The most widely used blood group system is the ABO blood group system, which is based on the presence of A, B, or O antigens on the surface of red blood cells. There are four main blood groups in the ABO system: A, B, AB, and O. The Rh blood group system is another important blood group system, and it is based on the presence or absence of the RhD antigen on the surface of red blood cells. Blood groups are inherited from one’s parents and are determined by the combination of antigens on the red blood cells. Blood groups play an important role in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and pregnancy.

Interesting Facts About Blood Group

1. The discovery of blood groups began in the early 20th century, with the discovery of the ABO blood group system by Karl Landsteiner in 1900.
2. The term “blood group” refers to the classification of blood based on the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
3. The ABO blood group system is the most widely used blood group system, and it is based on the presence of A, B, or O antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
4. The Rh blood group system, discovered by Karl Landsteiner and Alexander Wiener in 1940, is another important blood group system and it is based on the presence or absence of the RhD antigen on the surface of red blood cells.
5. A person’s blood group is determined by the combination of antigens on their red blood cells.
6. There are four main blood groups in the ABO system: A, B, AB, and O.
7. Type A blood has the A antigen on the surface of the red blood cells and type B blood has the B antigen on the surface of the red blood cells.
8. Type AB blood has both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells and type O blood has neither A nor B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells.
9. The Rh blood group system has two main types: Rh-positive and Rh-negative.
10. Rh-positive blood has the RhD antigen on the surface of the red blood cells and Rh-negative blood does not have the RhD antigen on the surface of the red blood cells.
11. Blood groups are inherited from one’s parents, and the combination of antigens on the red blood cells is determined by the combination of genes inherited from each parent.
12. Blood transfusions are usually limited to the same blood group, for example, a person with type A blood can receive blood from a person with type A or type O blood.
13. Blood group O negative is the universal donor, meaning that it can be given to people of any blood group.
14. Blood group AB positive is the universal recipient, meaning that it can receive blood from people of any blood group.
15. Blood groups can be determined through a simple blood test.
16. Blood groups are important in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and pregnancy.
17. Blood group incompatibility can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn and other complications.
18. Blood group incompatibility can be prevented through Rh immunoglobulin injections for Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy.
19. Blood group incompatibility can also be prevented through blood typing before organ transplantation.
20. Blood group O negative is relatively rare, making up around 7% of the population.
21. Blood group B negative is relatively rare, making up around 1% of the population.
22. Blood group A negative is relatively rare, making up around 6% of the population.
23. Blood group AB negative is relatively rare, making up around 0.5% of the population.
24. Blood group incompatibility can cause hemolytic transfusion reaction, a potentially life-threatening condition.
25. Blood group compatibility is important in pregnancy, as an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive fetus can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
26. Blood group antigens are also present on other body tissues and organs, and can affect the compatibility of organ transplants.
27. Some blood group antigens can also affect the susceptibility to certain diseases, such as Duffy-negative individuals being more resistant to malaria.
28. Blood group antigens can also affect the response to certain medications, such as blood thinners.
29. The discovery of blood groups led to the development of safer blood transfusions and better understanding of the human immune system.
30. Understanding of blood groups has also led to the development of new medical technologies, such as genetic engineering of blood cells and targeted drug therapies.