Types Of Red Cells

types of red cells

One of the most common types of red cells, and the major means of oxygen delivery to body tissues in a vertebrate organism, is red blood cells which is also known as erythrocytes. Even though the basic structure of different types of red cells is the same, they are classified into different types of red cells based on the molecules, inherited antigenic, attached to them. Types of red cells are based on two systems, Rh blood group system and the ABO blood group systems. ABO blood groups are:

* Group A

* Group B

* Group AB

* Group O

GROUP A TYPE OF RED CELLS

Group A type of red cells are the types of red cells that has ‘A’ antigen on the cell surface and individuals with this type of red cells has serum having IgM antibodies alongside the B antigen. Due to the presence of the antibodies that are against the B antigen, individuals with A blood group cannot get blood from people having blood groups other than groups A or B but can donate to AB group also.

GROUP B TYPE OF RED CELLS

Types of red cells that contain group B antigen on their cell surface is called as group B red cells and individuals having this blood group have serum having IgM antibodies alongside A antigen. Such individuals can receive blood only from group B or group O due to the danger posed by the antibodies.

GROUP AB TYPE OF RED CELLS

Group AB type of red cells contains both the antigens A and B on their surface and individuals with these types of red cells have a blood plasma that do not possess any type of antibodies against either A or B antigen. Such individuals can receive blood from any groups due to this unique character but can donate only to AB group and are called as universal recipients.

GROUP O TYPE OF RED CELLS

The type of red cells that doesn’t have either antigen A or antigen B on the cell surface is called as group O type of red cells and the blood serum of individuals with group O blood contains IgM antibodies anti-A and anti-B. Such individuals can donate blood to any of the groups but can receive only from O group and are called as universal donors.

TYPES OF RED CELLS BASED ON Rh FACTOR

Red cells are classified on the basis of a protein known as Rh (Rhesus) protein. The type of red cells that contain the protein is known as Rh positive and that doesn’t contain are called as Rh negative. However Rh factor is related to the ABO blood grouping system. Suppose your blood type is AB and your blood contains the protein, then your blood will be called as AB+ and AB- if otherwise.

Type of red cell determination is very important for an individual since for emergency medical cases, treatments cannot be carried forward until the blood type is known. If mixing of different blood groups take place, there is a chance of blood cells clumping together in blood vessels and might cause even a fatal situation.