Blood Types Explained | Blood Groups (ABO) and Rh Factor Nursing Transfusions Compatibility

Blood typing made easy with explanation on ABO blood groups and Rh factor for nurses (blood transfusions).

There are 8 total blood types from four blood groups (A, B, AB, O). In nursing we transfuse blood, but before we do this we have to collect blood from the patient who will be receiving the blood transfusion. The patient's blood will be typed and crossmatched with a donor. The donor’s blood must be compatible with our patient to prevent a transfusion reaction.

To understand blood typing, you have to understand the relationship between antigens and antibodies.

What are red blood cell antigens? They are either present or absent on the surface of RBC. All red blood cells have them EXCEPT Type O RBCs. Antigens are proteins that can elicit an immune response when they come into contact with its corresponding antibodies. Therefore, they stimulate antibodies to defend the body.

So, when the same red blood cell antigens and antibodies get together it will cause an IMMUNE RESPONSE called agglutination. This is where the RBCs will glue together, hence clump together. Therefore, it is VERY important a person is not transfused with the wrong blood type.

Blood Types: Recipient and Donor

A blood type: has only A antigens on its surface with B antibodies in the plasma.

Type A: donates to A and AB and recipient of O and A

B blood type: has only B antigens on its surface with A antibodies in the plasma.

Type B: donates to B and AB and recipient of O and B

AB blood type: has both A and B antigens on its surface with NO antibodies in it plasma.

Type AB: donates to only other ABs but recipient of O, A, B, and AB...known as the "UNIVERSAL RECIPIENT"

O blood type: has NO antigens on its surface with A and B antibodies in its plasma.

Type O: donates to all types but only recipient of other O....known as the "UNIVERSAL DONOR".

Rh factors: either present or absent on the red blood cells surface.

If these factors are present on the RBC the patient is Rh POSTIVIE, but if these factors are absent the patient is Rh NEGATIVE.

If a patient is Rh positive they can receive either Rh+ or RH- blood. While Rh negative patients can receive only Rh- blood.

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[ninaj]

Out of all the blood typing and Rh explaining on youtube, this is THE ONLY one that I find so helpful. Straight to the point and I understand!
So THANK YOU!

[nursingnewbie]

First time I have properly understood this content after 4 years of nursing school. Thank you!

[SereneSlumber]

Hi, Sarah! I just passed the NCLEX last March 17. Thank you so much for all your videos!! THEY’RE REALLY SUCH A GREAT HELP TO ME AND FOR SURE TO EVERYONE! You made everything easy to retain! Thank you so much! Keep inspiring nurses around the world ♥️

[QuikVidGuy]

Being O-, you hear a lot about how you're a universal donor and how that means you can help a lot of people... bit more stressful when you realize how limited you are for receiving.

[solid]

TY Nurse Sarah you helped me passed the NCLEX 3 years ago. I still watch as many nursing lecture from your uploads to keep me updated. God bless!

[gracemburu]

Did my exams on the 25th November and passed at 75 questions.Thanks Sarah, you are a God sent🥰

[andreahollingsworth]

I'm not RN student but I'm taken anatomy and physiology. This helped me understand the blood type and all that goes into it. Thank you for making these videos.

[Juietable]

I swear, this whole series has been my lifeline! When it comes to nursing education, you are my “Go To.” Thank you.

[jeanwarech]

I’m a retired BSN, I do understand blood types.
I have Essential Thrombocytosis.
Which made me be aware of blood! Thanx for teaching, Sarah!

[DOAU]

Sarah, I love how CLEAR and SUCCINCT your lectures are! You give just the right amount of details, ask relevant review questions so that we can assess our own knowledge, and the quiz is sublime! I'm so happy I found your channel, will recommend to all of my classmates in Physiology. <3 that charming accent. You is amaze!

[GG]

FINALLY!!! I get this and it's not a memorization and trying to remember, but a true understanding!!! You are amazing.

[amberg]

Wow. In the nursing program I recall trying to memorize who could get what but the reasons why were never broken down and honestly, If I had been hit with a nclex question pertaining to this I would have bombed it before seeing this video. The way you broke it down with the antigens and antibodies was very simple for me to understand. And I will no longer be forced to try to memorize this. Thanks Sara

[breannasnyder]

I was worried about bombing this part of my upcoming exam. I was trying to memorize everything but after watching this video I actually understand and don't have to worry about memorizing it!

[joemunoz]

Gosh I love the southern accent.. if any one of my professors spoke like this, I'd be front and center in class

[Vanlikeacar]

This is such a straightforward and clear explanation! Thank you so much, Nurse Sarah!

[sarahryan]

currently a first year nursing student and this video is the only thing that has helped me to understand blood types. Thank you!!

[ThespianSeagull]

I am so glad I stumbled across this video. Wow. You're going to get me through the next 1.5 years of school.

[lanzcordero]

Just got curious about blood types and this is literally the clearest video I found!

[ari]

In high school I had to memorize these because I couldn’t understand (Thanks to my teacher). Now after 5 years I finally understood the concept here, thank you for this amazing explanation

[danielm]

JUST WATCHED THIS VIDEO AND LOVED IT! THANKS SO MUCH, I´M A NURSE STUDENT FROM MEXICO, WILL DEFINITELY KEEP WATCHING MORE :D