Question

What is a Rh factor? Why is it important?

Answer 1

Hint: Rh factor is an important factor which is associated with the ABO blood grouping system. If can be positive or negative. It defines the specific antigens present in our blood.

Complete answer:
The type of blood group a person has is determined by the RBCs. There are two antigens present in the blood A, B. On the basis of the presence and absence of these antigens, the blood group of a person is determined. Rh factor stands for Rhesus factor which is present in our blood. It is a protein which is present on the surface of RBC. It is inheritable like the blood group. If the protein is present in the blood, then the person is Rh positive else negative. The most common blood groups found are A positive, B positive, AB positive and O positive. The negative factor blood groups are not very commonly found. The Rh-negative blood group does not indicate any illness or disease. The Rh-negative group can produce an antibody called anti-D which can destroy the RBCs of Rh positive.

 The Rh factor is very important in case of finding out the blood compatibility between the two people in case of transfusion. The Rh-positive blood can be donated to Rh positive only. The determination of Rh compatibility is very much important during the pregnancy. The Rh factor of the mother and the child is determined. If the mother is Rh negative and the child is Rh positive, the mother may produce anti-D antibodies. This can affect the development and the birth of the child.

Note: Rh factor was discovered by Karl Landsteiner and Alexander Wiener. It is an immunizing D antigen which has a special significance. This D antigen has the capability of causing hemolysis that is the destruction of the RBCs.