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how many blood groups are there
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Hematologic Diseases
Question #22102
32 days ago
53

how many blood groups are there - #22102

Sia

I am confused about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately. My mother had to get a blood transfusion last week after a surgery, and the doctor mentioned something about how many blood groups are there and it got me thinking. Like, I always thought there were just a few, but then he started talking about A, B, AB, and O, plus the Rh factor stuff, and I’m just like, woah, this is more complicated than I thought! I tried to do some research online but honestly, the info is kinda all over the place. Even in the hospital, they seemed to really focus on the blood type during her transfusion, so I’m like, how many blood groups are there actually? I mean, are there more than just the standard ones we learn in school? My friend mentioned something about rare blood types and honestly, it kinda freaks me out a little. What if I need a transfusion, or my kids do? Is there a simple way to figure out how many blood groups are there? Like, is it even something I should be worried about? I’d appreciate any clarity someone could give on this before I dive deeper into the rabbit hole of blood group science!

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In human blood classification, we primarily talk about the ABO blood group system and the Rh factor, which are indeed the most clinically significant. In the ABO system, the blood groups are A, B, AB, and O. This is based on the presence or absence of antigens — A or B — on the surface of red blood cells. Then you have the Rh factor, which can be either positive or negative, leading to combinations like A positive, A negative, and so on. So, technically speaking, with both ABO and Rh, there are eight basic blood types. Beyond this, there are indeed other blood group systems too, over 30 recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion, but these are less commonly discussed. They include groups like Kell, Kidd, and Duffy, among others. These usually become important in cases of frequent transfusions or special medical conditions. Most transfusions focus on matching ABO and Rh because mismatches here can cause serious reactions. Regarding your concern about transfusions and rare types, it’s understandable, but blood banks track and manage rare blood groups too, ensuring safe transfusion practices. Knowing you and your family’s blood types can be helpful, especially in emergencies, but hospitals routinely perform comprehensive blood typing before transfusions to minimize risks. If you want more detail or are considering donation, a discussion with a healthcare provider could provide further insights tailored to your personal circumstances.

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