1. An antigen is a substance, often a protein or polysaccharide on the surface of cells (like red blood cells), that can trigger an immune response by being recognized as foreign by the body’s immune system.
2. An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system in response to a specific antigen. Antibodies bind to antigens to neutralize or mark them for destruction by other immune cells.
3. In agglutination, red blood cells clump together when antibodies bind to antigens on their surfaces. It can be deadly because these clumps can block small blood vessels, impairing circulation and oxygen delivery, potentially leading to organ damage, shock, or death.
4. Nothing harmful would happen. A patient with type AB blood has both A and B antigens on their red blood cells and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in their plasma. Therefore, they can safely receive type B blood without triggering an immune reaction.
5. A dangerous transfusion reaction would occur. The patient with type B blood has anti-A antibodies in their plasma. When they receive type AB blood (which contains A antigens), the anti-A antibodies will attack and destroy the donor red blood cells, causing agglutination, hemolysis, and potentially life-threatening complications.
6. A dangerous transfusion reaction would occur. The patient with type O blood has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma. When they receive type A blood (which contains A antigens), the anti-A antibodies will bind to the donor red blood cells, causing agglutination and hemolysis, which can be fatal.
7. Compatible blood types for a patient with type A blood are: Type A (same type) and Type O (universal donor). Type A blood has A antigens and anti-B antibodies; therefore, it can receive blood that lacks B antigens (i.e., A or O).
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of blood group worksheet.
