Blood type is a description of the individual antigenic characteristics of erythrocytes, determined by methods of identification of specific groups of carbohydrates and proteins included in the membranes of erythrocytes. The determination of the blood group is based on the reaction of agglutination, the interaction of diagnostic agglutinins (anti-A and anti-B coliclones) and erythrocyte agglutinogens.
Blood group and Rh factor tests are basic isoserological studies. They are used in preparing patients for blood transfusions, for surgical operations, in planning and monitoring pregnancy. Blood typing is necessary for persons entering military service and other law enforcement agencies. Taking into account the blood group and Rh factor during blood transfusions and pregnancy monitoring allows you to prevent the development of immunological conflicts according to the ABO system and the Rh factor system, to avoid the occurrence of severe complications, such as acute hemolytic reaction, hemolytic disease of the newborn, miscarriage.