My City January 2023

MYHEALTH

A Little Bit about Blood Types

Rh positive (A+ to AB+); however, blood without the Rh factor will be compatible with both B- to AB+. Type AB, on the other hand, is the most restricted type in terms of compatibility. AB- can only be given to AB- and AB+. AB+ only works with AB+. A person with type AB, however, is the universal donor for plasma. ( Just goes to show you that no matter your blood type, donating is important!) All this may seem a little confusing – let’s make it easier and look at one more example. Say an accident victim is rushed into the ER with an un known blood type. If they need blood immediately, doctors will quickly ad minister O- blood as they can be sure it will not adversely affect the patient. (This is why O- blood is in such high demand.) Later, after the patient is stabilized, medical staff may deter mine that the patient’s type is B+.This means that medical staff can continue to administer blood as long as it is O-, O+, B- or B+. If they use any blood type with the A antigen (A or AB), the patient’s body will fight back. With an adequate supply of blood on hand, this patient will be fine and hopefully recover. Meeting the demand for blood sup ply, however, is a struggle and since the beginning of the pandemic, it is needed now more than ever. The world needs its heroes and even though nobody can fly through the air or leap buildings in a single bound, we can all still become one. All it takes is the drive to do good in the world, the courage to show up, and the sacrifice of an hour’s time to donate. Will you answer the call?

With anything medical or scientific, a little knowledge goes a long way. Don’t go in without some understanding of what you are doing and how it works. Do you know your blood type? Who can you give blood to and vice-versa? Your blood type is determined by whether or not certain antigens are present. Some antigens can trigger a person’s body to attack the transfused blood if it doesn’t match their own. There are four major blood groups determined by the presence or absence of the antigens A and B. In addition to the A and B antigens, your type is also determined by the presence or absence of a protein called the Rh factor (+ or -).Therefore, the eight most common blood types are A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ and O-.The blood type O in dicates the absence of both the A and B antigens and more specifically, O- indicates the absence of the antigens and Rh factor. Due to the absence of both antigens and Rh factor, those with O- blood type are known as “universal” donors. O- blood can be successfully mixed with all blood types and being the rar est blood type, it is constantly in short supply.The most common blood type is O+ and this type can be donated to a person with any Rh positive blood type – namely A+, B+ and AB+. The A blood type can only be donat ed to those with the A antigen present (A and AB) and the same rule goes for blood type B (B and AB). Rh factor is still important as only Rh positive blood can be given to those who are

MEETING THE DEMAND FOR BLOOD SUPPLY IS A STRUGGLE AND SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC, IT IS NEEDED NOWMORE THAN EVER.

Tips for Effective Blood Donation It’s a simple process with few

downsides, but there are a few pre paratory things we can do to make it even easier. → Drink plenty of water; you don’t want to be dehydrated. → Eat well beforehand – you need to keep up your strength. You are giving a part of yourself. → Exercise before, not after. If you stick to a strict exercise regimen, make an exception. Do it before or not at all on the donation day. → Have an iron supplement ready; some of us may need a little boost. Visit redcrossblood.org to set up your appointment today and start saving lives, hero!

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