What is the Difference Between A+ and A- Blood Types?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences between A+ and A- blood types, specifically focusing on the Rh factor and its implications for blood transfusions. Participants explore the origins of blood type classification, the rarity of certain blood types, and the methods used to determine blood type and Rh factor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants explain that the "+" or "-" in blood types refers to the Rh factor, a protein found in some individuals.
  • Questions arise about how blood type classifications (A, B, O) were established and which blood type is the rarest.
  • There are claims that O negative blood can be universally accepted, while individuals with O negative blood can only receive O negative blood.
  • Concerns are raised about the effects of receiving the wrong blood type during transfusions, with varying opinions on the consequences of such actions.
  • Participants discuss the process of testing blood for compatibility, including the use of techniques like mixing blood samples to check for coagulation.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the specifics of how blood tests are conducted to determine blood type and Rh factor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the implications of blood type compatibility and the effects of transfusions. There is no consensus on the specifics of testing methods or the consequences of receiving incompatible blood types.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various methods for determining blood type and Rh factor, but there are unresolved questions about the exact procedures and potential risks involved in transfusions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals studying biology, healthcare professionals, or anyone curious about blood types and transfusion practices.

munky99999
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Well I am wondering.

I know all the basics of blood types. How you can be AA-AO OO, AB, BB-BO
and I've done the thing to find out which one I am. and I am AA or AO

But I've heard of A+ or A-

so what's with the + or -
whats the difference.
and how is it determined if your + or -
 
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Where did the system of A, B, O and such come from? What blood type is the most rare? The article made sense, but it didn't describe how you find out if you are + or -. I'd assume you would take a blood test obviously, but what do they do to the blood to determine what it is?

~Kitty
 
Why can all bodies accept O negative blood? Can a person with O negative blood accept another blood type?

~Kitty
 
All bodies can accept O negative blood because O has no antigens on the cell membrane.
 
There is nothing special about X -. It is the positivs that has th Rh- factor.

However, people with 0 negative can only accept blood from donors with 0 negative.
 
well

AB is the rarest.
BB
BO
AA
AO
OO least rare

and there is an antigen for each letter which coagulates(clumps up) the blood if mixed poorly.

the article explains the +-

So as it stands. the higher on the rare scale. the better off in ways of what types of blood you can accept. Though from my understanding. If your AB and get an infusion of BB you'll feel groggy and tired.

The article made sense, but it didn't describe how you find out if you are + or -.
ya I am still wondering about this to. however i imagine that they simply test the blood for that protein.
 
Because of the Rh- factors and the antigens. (Could someone remind me what an antigen is please...I can't remember.)

~Kitty
 
  • #10
Ah thanks so much.

~Kitty
 
  • #11
munky99999, you may be incorrect.

It all depends on when it happens. The first time, your body hasn't developed the antibodies against the foreign blood. Then it is correct. You will feel groggy and sick and worse. But you will not die. Not the first time atleast.

The second time, your body will have ready antibodies for the blood. When you receive the blood the antibodies will attack the bloodcells and kill them by making them clump together.

The blood cannot pass trough and you die.
 
  • #12
Wait...is that if you receive the wrong blood type in a transfusion? What if you have already had a transfusion, but you're in the emergency room and they have to transfuse you but they don't know what blood type you are so they use O negative? Will it kill you?

~Kitty
 
  • #13
misskitty said:
Wait...is that if you receive the wrong blood type in a transfusion? What if you have already had a transfusion, but you're in the emergency room and they have to transfuse you but they don't know what blood type you are so they use O negative? Will it kill you?

~Kitty

Well things like this can happen and its pretty easy to get past things like this. Usually the person comes with a record which would say what type. but say this is completely nobody

You can take a little of the person's blood, and take what u want to infuse into him. mix it outside the body and taadddaaa. you can tell before hand if it will coagulate.

But the sure bet way to go is O- as it won't coagulate.

As for Mattara i dunno. I haven't read that before.
 
  • #14
Oh Mattara? Mattara where are you? :wink:

That wasn't something I read. I heard about it though. I was just wondering. Yeah mixing outside the body for coagulation is a good idea. How do you go that without opening the bag and exposing the blood to air bourn infections?

~Kitty
 
  • #15
misskitty said:
Oh Mattara? Mattara where are you? :wink:

I don't understand what this is meant as...
 
  • #16
Nothing I was just paging you to see if you were still reading through the thread. Thats all. Sorry.

~Kitty
 
  • #17
Did you read my last question?

~Kitty
 
  • #18
to sum up:

This won't kill you:

A can give to A, AB
B can give to B, AB
O can give to A, B, AB, O

Rh + can give to Rh+
Rh - can give to Rh + and Rh-

misskitty, What was your last question?

munky99999, my source is Heinemann Advanced Science Biology 2nd edition by Ann Fullick.
 
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  • #19
MissKittyYeah mixing outside the body for coagulation is a good idea. How do you go that without opening the bag and exposing the blood to air bourn infections?[/QUOTE said:
It was in response to Munky's statement about sampling blood from the body and the transfusable blood to test for coagualtion. Its around post numbers 12-14.

~Kitty
 
  • #20
Most of the time, the hospital will have your blood type on record. At least if you are in any industrial country. If they don't have it, they can perform test with your blood and test it for antigens (not using any other blood).

If you are in a "primitive" hospital, they could perform that perticular method as described by munky99999.
 
Last edited:
  • #21
Ah. Do you know what they do to test for antigens?

~Kitty
 
  • #23
Thanks.

~Kitty
 

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