ABO Blood Types

The most well-known and medically important

blood types are in the ABO group. They
were discovered in 1900 and 1901 at the
University of Vienna by Karl Landsteiner in the
process of trying to learn why blood
transfusions sometimes cause death and at
other times save a patient. In 1930, he
belatedly received the Nobel Prize for his
Karl Landsteiner
discovery of blood types. (1868-1943)

All humans and many other primates can be typed for the ABO blood
group. There are four principal types: A, B, AB, and O. There are two
antigens and two antibodies that are mostly responsible for the ABO
types. The specific combination of these four components determines
an individual's type in most cases. The table below shows the
possible permutations of antigens and antibodies with the
corresponding ABO type ("yes" indicates the presence of a component
and "no" indicates its absence in the blood of an individual).

ABO
Blood Type Antigen Antigen Antibody
Antibody
A B Anti-B
anti-A

A yes no no yes
B no yes yes no
O no no yes yes
AB yes yes no no

For example, people with type A blood will have the A antigen on the
surface of their red cells (as shown in the table below). As a result,
anti-A antibodies will not be produced by them because they would
cause the destruction of their own blood. However, if B type blood is
injected into their systems, anti-B antibodies in their plasma will
recognize it as alien and burst or agglutinate the introduced red cells in
order to cleanse the blood of alien protein.
 ABO
Blood Type Antigen Antigen Antibody Antibody
A B anti-A Anti-B

A yes no no yes
B no yes yes no
O no no yes yes
AB yes yes no no

Individuals with type O blood do not produce ABO antigens.

Therefore, their blood normally will not be rejected when it is given to
others with different ABO types. As a result, type O people are
universal donors for transfusions, but they can receive only type O
blood themselves. Those who have type AB blood do not make any
ABO antibodies. Their blood does not discriminate against any other
ABO type. Consequently, they are universal receivers for
transfusions, but their blood will be agglutinated when given to people
with every other type because they produce both kinds of antigens.

ABO
Blood Type Antigen Antigen Antibody Antibody
A B anti-A Anti-B

A yes no no yes
B no yes yes no
O no no yes yes
AB yes yes no no

It is easy and inexpensive to determine an individual's ABO type from

a few drops of blood. A serum containing anti-A antibodies is mixed
with some of the blood. Another serum with anti-B antibodies is mixed
with the remaining sample. Whether or not agglutination occurs in
either sample indicates the ABO type. It is a simple process of
elimination of the possibilities. For instance, if an individual's blood
sample is agglutinated by the anti-A antibody, but not the anti-B
antibody, it means that the A antigen is present but not the B antigen.
Therefore, the blood type is A.
 Genetic Inheritance Patterns
Research carried out in Heidelberg, Germany by Ludwik Hirszfeld and
Emil von Dungern in 1910 and 1911 showed that the ABO blood types
are inherited. We now know that they are determined by genes on
chromosome 9, and they do not change as a result of environmental
influences during life. An individual's ABO type results from the
inheritance of 1 of 3alleles (A, B, or O) from each parent. The possible
outcomes are shown below:

Parent Alleles
A B O

The possible ABO alleles for one

parent are in the top row and the AA AB AO
A
alleles of the other are in the left (A) (AB) (A)
column. Offspring genotypes
are shown in black. Phenotypes AB BB BO
B
are red. (AB) (B) (B)

AO BO OO
O
(A) (B) (O)

Both A and B alleles are dominant over O. As a result, individuals who

have an AO genotype will have an A phenotype. People who are type
O have OO genotypes. In other words, they inherited a recessive O
allele from both parents. The A and B alleles are codominant.
Therefore, if an A is inherited from one parent and a B from the other,
the phenotype will be AB. Agglutination tests will show that these
individuals have the characteristics of both type A and type B blood.

CAUTION: the inheritance of ABO blood types does not always follow
such straightforward rules of inheritance. If you wish to explore the
reason why this is true, select the Bombay Phenotype button below.

Bombay Phenotype

ABO Blood type antigens are not only found on the surface of red
cells. They are also normally secreted by some people in their body
fluids, including saliva, tears, and urine. Whether someone is able to
secrete them is genetically controlled. Police agencies now routinely
use this so-called secretor system data to identify potential victims
and criminals when blood samples are not available.
Despite the fact that the blood types of children are solely determined
by inheritance from their parents, paternity in the U.S. and many other
nations can no longer be legally established based on conventional
blood typing. To do that, it is necessary to compare HLA types
and/or DNA sequences. The use of DNA is more accurate in
determining paternity, but it is also more expensive than HLA typing.

Antibodies to alien antigens in the ABO group are usually present in

our plasma prior to the first contact with blood of a different ABO type.
This may be partly explained by the fact that these antigens are also
produced by certain bacteria and possibly some plants. When we
come in contact with them, our bodies may develop long-term active
immunity to their antigens and subsequently to the same antigens on
the surface of red blood cells. This usually occurs in babies within the
first six months following their birth.

Environmental Factors
While blood types are 100% genetically inherited, the environment
potentially can determine which blood types in a population will be
passed on more frequently to the next generation. It does this
through natural selection. Specific ABO blood types are thought to be
linked with increased or decreased susceptibility to particular
diseases. For instance, individuals with type A blood are at a
somewhat higher risk of contracting smallpox and developing cancer
of the esophagus, pancreas, and stomach. People who are type O
are at a higher risk for contracting cholera and plague as well as
developing duodenal and peptic ulcers. Research suggests that they
are also more tasty to mosquitoes. That could be a significant factor in
contracting malaria.

NOTE: A small number of people have two different ABO blood types.
They are not simply AB codominant. Apparently, most of these blood
chimera individuals shared a blood supply with their non-identical
twin before birth. In some cases, people are unaware that they had a
twin because he or she died early in gestation and was spontaneously
aborted. As many as 8% of non-identical twins may have chimeric
blood. Some people are microchimeric--they have a small amount of
blood of a different type in their system that has persisted from a blood
transfusion or passed across the placental barrier from their mother
before birth. Likewise, fetal blood can pass into a mother's system.
This fact has led some researchers to suggest that the significantly
higher frequency of autoimmune disorders in women is a result of the
presence of foreign white blood cells that had come from their unborn
children during pregnancy.

NEWS: An international team of researchers led by Henrick Clausen

of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark have discovered a
bacterial enzyme that can convert red blood cells of types A, B, and
AB into O by stripping away their identifying surface antigens. This
has the potential for dramatically improving the safety of blood
transfusions. Clinical trials of this technique are now underway.
("Bacterial Glycosidases for the Production of Universal Red Blood
Cells", published online in Nature Biotechnology, April 1, 2007.)

NEWS: A research team led by Peer Bork of the European Molecular

Biology Laboratory in Heidleberg, Germany discovered that people
can be classified into one of 3 distinct types based on the kinds of
bacteria in their guts. They refer to them as enterotypes. This type
system is independent of blood types and may have equally important
implications for peoples' health. How enterotypes are established is
not known, but the authors suggest that babies may be randomly
colonized by different species of bacteria and that they alter the gut so
that only certain species of bacteria can live there. ("Enterotypes of
the Human Gut Microbiome", published online in Nature, April 20,
2011.)
Genes and Blood Type
Blood is a complex, living tissue that contains many cell types and proteins. A transporter,
regulator, and defender, blood courses through the body carrying out many important functions.

Blood Types

Distinct molecules called agglutinogens (a type of antigen) are attached to the surface of red
blood cells. There are two different types of agglutinogens, type "A" and type "B". Each type
has different properties. The ABO blood type classification system uses the presence or
absence of these molecules to categorize blood into four types.

Another level of specificity is added to blood type by examining the presence or absence of the
Rh protein. Each blood type is either positive "+" (has the Rh protein) or negative "-" (no Rh
protein). For example, a person whose blood type is "A positive" (A +), has both type A and Rh
proteins on the surface of their red blood cells.
Type A blood cells are covered with A agglutinogens, type B have B agglutinogens, type AB
have both A and B, and type O blood have none.

Blood Type Is Determined Genetically

The A and B antigen molecules on the surface of red blood cells are made by two different
enzymes. These two enzymes are encoded by different versions, or alleles, of the same gene.

The A allele codes for an enzyme that makes the A antigen, and the B allele codes for an
enzyme that makes the B antigen. A third version of this gene, the O allele, codes for a protein
that is not functional; it makes no surface molecules at all.

Everyone inherits two alleles of the gene, one from each parent. The combination of your two
alleles determines your blood type.

The table on the left shows all of the possible combinations of blood type alleles. The blood
type for each allele combination is shown on the right. For example, if you inherit a B allele from
your father and an A allele from your mother, your blood type will be AB.

When Blood Types Mix

Blood plasma is packed with proteins called antibodies. The body produces a wide variety of
antibodies that will recognize and attack foreign molecules that may enter from the outside
world. A person's plasma does not contain any antibodies that will bind to molecules that are
part of his or her own body.
When conducting a blood transfusion, it is important to carefully match the donor and recipient
blood types. If the donor blood cells have surface molecules that are different from those of the
recipient, antibodies in the recipient's blood recognize the donor blood as foreign. This triggers
an immune response resulting in blood clotting. If the donor blood cells have surface molecules
that are the same as those of the recipient, the recipient's body will not see them as foreign and
will not mount an immune response.

There are two special blood types when it comes to blood transfusions. People with type O
blood are universal donors because there are no molecules on the surface of the red blood
cells that can trigger an immune response. People with type AB blood are universal recipients
because they do not have any antibodies that will recognize type A or B surface molecules.

Note: Blood cells are covered with a variety of surface molecules. For simplicity, only type A
and B surface molecules are shown here.

Funding provided by grant 51006109 from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Precollege Science Education
Initiative for Biomedical Research.
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 Blood Types and
Character Features
of People
I was so interested in blood types and I checked up on Internet about
characteristics of blood types. Here is a mixture of 3 different texts.
Enjoy.
Note: If you think it is too long, go ahead and read this instead:
http://wxtp.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/tldrblood-types-and-character-
features-of-people/

Character of People according to

Blood Group
Type O “Hot”

Population Roughly 38% of the world is O +ve and 6% O -ve.

Traits Confident and Strong-Willed, Proud, Dedicated, Sociable, Energetic,

Extroverted, Frank, Realist, Showy, Flighty, Generalist, Positive,
Independent, Risk-Takers, Dislike taking orders, Insecure, Stubborn & Self-
Centered.

Make friends easily and go with flow and grasp opportunity. Quick to start a
project or chase an idea. Are good at organizing activities. May have short
attention span, and expresses strong emotions. May quickly take opposite
views that are deep but not always durable. Classic entrepreneurs and movers
and shakers.
Express their emotions but can be swayed by other blood types. Have an
intrinsic elegance. Sociable and showy. May be good at adapting to
circumstances. Words come easily to them. Not self conscious and will
frankly reveal inner feelings. Ambitious, but may have issues with detail.

Like to be touch and be touched by others.

Type A “Cool”

Population Roughly 34% of the world is A +ve and 6% A -ve.

Traits Obedient, Careful, Sympathetic, Self-Sacrificing, Polite, Honest, Loyal,

Emotional, Introverted & Nervous.

Are reserved calm and even tempered. Sensitive to public opinion. May be
Introverted, shy and nervous or ill at ease with others. May be Pessimistic.
Value relationships and are loyal. Hesitant to change. Nature lovers and
dislike crowds – need a private place or secret hideaway. Can be indecisive.
Good at team work and obey rules.

Dislike to touch or be touched by others.

Type B “Active”

Population Roughly 9% of the world is B +ve and 2% B -ve.

Traits Cheerful, Optimistic, Active, Sensitive, Kind, Forgetful, unorganized,

Noisy, Egocentric

Energetic and have the drive to reach towards goals. May be workaholics. Not
the best team players and are individualistic. Do things at one’s own pace.
Strong personality adventurous. Likes to get one’s own way. Are Sociable
and enjoy entertaining.

Like to touch or be touched by others.

Type AB “Care-Free”
Population Roughly 4% of the world is AB +ve and 1% AB -ve.

Traits Social, Easy-going, Sympathetic, Diplomatic, Outgoing, Laid-back,

Creative, Unpredictable, Artistic, Flexible, Moody and Brooding.

Blend of opposites. Shy with some and bold with some. Introvert and
Extrovert. Unpredictable and may seem to have calm exterior. Strong creative
strain. Good at spotting problems and skirting them. Like city environment.
Get bored easily. Everything they do is compelling. Never take things for
granted. Appear mysterious. Contribute harmoniously to society.
Dislike to touch or be touched by others.

__________________________

Personality Traits By
Blood Type
Beginning in approximately 1930, the Japanese embraced the idea of
matching personality traits with one’s blood type. This phenomenon is as
popular in Japanas the idea of matching horoscope with personality is in the
United States.Almost all Japanese are aware of their blood type. The idea
began when some in the west were touting the idea that the asian peoples
were more closely related to animals then humans, or lower on the
evolutionary chain, since type B blood was the predominant blood type in
asians and animals. As ludicrous and unscientific as this idea was, it was
insulting to say the least. Modern science disproves this obviously faulted
idea. In the 1930’s Furukawa Takeji (1891-1940) set out to disprove this
notion and a new idea was born.
However, the idea of personality traits being influenced by blood type
remains. Companies in Japan even had divided workers by blood type.

Here are the general ideas of each blood type. The Rh factor plays no role in
the blood type/personality idea:
Type O:
Type O’s are outgoing, and very social. They are initiators, although they
don’t always finish what they start. Creative and popular, they love to be the
center of attention and appear very self confident.

Type A:
While outwardly calm, they have such high standards (perfectionists) that
they tend to be balls of nerves on the inside. Type A’s are the most artistic of
the blood groups. They can be shy, are conscientious, trustworthy, and
sensitive.

Type B:
Goal oriented and strong minded, type B’s will start a task and continue it
until completed, and completed well. Type B’s are the individualists of the
blood group categories and find their own way in life.

Type AB:
Type AB’s are the split personalities of the blood groups. They can be both
outgoing and shy, confident and timid. While responsible, too much
responsibility will cause a problem. They are trustworthy and like to help
others.
Compatability by Blood Groups:
A is most compatible with A and AB

B is most compatible with B and AB

AB is most compatible with AB, B, A and O

O is most compatible with O, and AB

To learn about the science of blood types, please research “Blood Groups and
Anthropology” “Craig Medical” or “The Franklin Institute.”
_________________________
Blood Type and Character Traits
Yesterday’s newspaper carried an item about the Japanese belief that blood
type and personality are linked. In Japan, it’s perfectly normal to ask “What’s
your blood type?” in the course of a conversation, just as here we might ask ”
What’s your ( zodiac) sign?” Until recently, job applicants in Japan were
asked for their blood type and companies would make decisions about job
assignments based on employees’ blood types. Children in some
kindergartens are divided according to blood type so that each type can be
taught according to the method best suited to their personality. Matchmaking
agencies provide blood-type compatibility tests and consumer goods such as
womens’ handbags, chewing gum , soft drinks and even condoms are
formulated for specific blood types.

Surprisingly, such thinking is not new , having been first put forwarded by
Kumata Hara in 1916. Hara was a doctor but subsequent research showed that
there is no scientific basis , no link between blood types and character traits.
However the idea never died down and it is rumored that during World War
II, battle groups were assembled according to blood type. The notion got fresh
legs in 1970, when Masahiko Nomi, an advocate with no medical
background,popularised it. His son , Toshitaka, continues to push it today .
Last year , this was the subject of four of the top 10 bestselling books ( one
for each blood type) in Japan .
In brief, these are the supposed characteristics of each blood type:

Type A: Calm, avoid confrontation, uncomfortable around people. Shy,

sometimes withdrawn, seek harmony. Never really fit in.Very responsible,
creative, sensitve, most artistic, conscientous.
Type B: Most practical of the blood types. Specialists. Very focused, less than
co-operative. Strongly individualistic. Pay more attention to thoughts rather
than feelings. Can seem cold, serious. Well intentioned, impulsive.

Type O : Energetic, outgoing, social. Most flexible of the blood groups. Start
things but give up rather easily. Flighty, undependable. Speak their mind.
Very self confident. Value the opinion of others. Considered the ” best” group
in Japan.

Type AB: Hard to categorize since they are a mixture of contradictory traits
e.g shy and outgoing.Trustworthy, responsible. Can’t handle too much when
under pressure. Interested in art and metaphysics. Considered the “worst”
group in Japan. Most anime villains are type AB. ( LOL)
As might have been expected, young women are most receptive these ideas
and use them to determine who might be best suited to have a relationship
with.

In general, people are compatible with others of their own blood type and
with type AB. This makes me wonder why Type AB individuals are
considered the ” worst” type, particularly since their characteristics don’t
seem to be bad.

To us outside Japan, these ideas will seem strange, if not foolish. Even in
Japan, they persist inspite of a lack of medical evidence to support them. I
suppose that if something has been around for a long time and is being
constantly repeated it takes on the appearance of truth.

It doesn’t seem logical that all of humankind could be divided into just four
groups. At least astrological signs, another far fetched correlation, recognize
12 separate divisions.I know my personality doesn’t t fit the description
assigned to my blood type. I have some traits belonging to Type A and some
to type B and some to Type O. That’s what I’d expect.Try it yourself. Check
the traits described for your blood type and see if they match.
Adolf Hitler was a blood type A and it’s hard to desribe him as ” calm” or a
person who ‘d seek harmony and avoid confrontation” .. both characteristics
of Type A’s.

No, the notion that blood type and character are somehow linked absolutely
doesn’t make sense to me . It’s harmless providing it isn’t used to dictate the
course of one’s life or the lives of others.

When’s the last time you stopped to appreciate all the good stuff your blood does for you?

Without it, oxygen would never reach your cells and carbon dioxide would be filling your blood

vessels as we speak.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and more than 41,000 blood

donations are needed every day, according to the American Red Cross. So while you may

never worry about having enough blood to function, plenty of others aren’t as fortunate.

With World Blood Donor Day approaching on Saturday, June 14, that gives you more reason

than ever to get out and donate.

While giving blood should be all about helping those in need, there are a few things in it for you.

Here are four health perks to becoming a blood donor:

Your blood may flow better

“If blood has a high viscosity, or resistance to flow, it will flow like molasses,” says Phillip

DeChristopher, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Loyola University Health System blood bank.
Repeated blood donations may help the blood flow in a way that’s less damaging to the lining

of the blood vessels and could result in fewer arterial blockages. That may explain

why the American Journal of Epidemiology found that blood donors are 88% less likely to suffer

a heart attack.

It’s not clear if there are lasting health benefits associated with better blood flow. (These kinds

of studies can’t prove cause and effect—for example, blood donors might lead healthier

lifestyles than the general population.)

“What is clear is that blood donors seem to not be hospitalized so often and if they are, they

have shorter lengths of stay,” Dr. DeChristopher says. “And they’re less likely to get heart

attacks, strokes, and cancers.”

You’ll get a mini check-up

Before you give blood, you’ll first have to complete a quick physical that measures your

temperature, pulse,blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels. After your blood is collected, it’s

sent off to a lab where it will undergo 13 different tests for infectious diseases,

like HIV and West Nile virus. If anything comes back positive, you’ll be notified immediately.

“If year after year your tests come back negative, then you’ll know for sure there’s nothing

you’ve been exposed to,” Dr. DeChristopher says. The physical and blood tests are no reason

to skip your annual doctor visit, but they’re good for peace of mind. But you should never

donate blood if you suspect you might actually be sick or have been exposed to HIV or another

virus.

Your iron levels will stay balanced

Healthy adults usually have about 5 grams of iron in their bodies, mostly in red blood cells but

also in bone marrow. When you donate a unit of blood, you lose about a quarter of a gram of

iron, which gets replenished from the food you eat in the weeks after donation, Dr.

DeChristopher says. This regulation of iron levels is a good thing, because having too much

iron could be bad news for your blood vessels.

“The statistics appear to show that decreasing the amount of iron in otherwise healthy people

over the long run is beneficial to their blood vessels, and diseases related to abnormalities in

blood vessels, such as heart attack and stroke,” he says.

Still, data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that nearly 10% of women

in the U.S. suffer from anemia, a condition where your body lacks red blood cells or hemoglobin

(most commonly due to an iron deficiency). In that case, it’s best not to give blood until the

anemia is resolved, he says.

Women who haven’t hit menopause yet may find it hard to donate blood, too. “Pre-menopausal

females can be somewhat iron depleted with blood counts just under the lower limit,” Dr.

DeChristopher says. If you have low iron and you still want to be a donor, taking an oral iron

supplement may help you re-qualify, he says.

You could live longer

Doing good for others is one way to live a longer life. A study in Health Psychology found that

people who volunteered for altruistic reasons had a significantly reduced risk of mortality four

years later than those who volunteered for themselves alone. While the health benefits of

donating blood are nice, don’t forget who you’re really helping: A single donation can save the

lives of up to three people, according to the Red Cross. “The need for blood is always

there,” Dr. DeChristopher says. “It’s important to recognize how important willing donors are.”

MORE:

15 Signs You May Have an Iron Deficiency

10 Ways to Live to 100

11 Ways to Boost Your Energy With Food

Read More

 7 Medical Tests Every Man Needs

 Help Out: The American Red Cross Needs Blood Donations Badly
 10 Foods That Boost Concentration

Posted In:
mind and body
 Donation Process Safety
Donor Safety
Donating blood is a safe and easy process which gives you the chance to change lives.

 It is not possible to get AIDS or other

infectious disease by giving blood.
A brand new, sterile, disposable needle is used
for each blood donation. Once used, the needle
is discarded.
 You can only donate if your health history
permits and you feel well. You are asked
general health questions and are given a mini
physical – temperature, pulse, blood pressure
and hemoglobin are checked – prior to donation
to ensure that you are feeling well and that it is
safe for you to give blood. Your health history
and test results are confidential and cannot be
shared without your permission, except as
required by law.
 Feeling faint or fatigued after donating blood is uncommon.
If it occurs, it most likely will pass in a matter of hours. Most donors feel fine
before and after donating, but a small number of people may have a
lightheaded or dizzy feeling. If you feel faint, stop what you are doing and lie
down until you feel better.
 You can help ensure your experience is a positive and rewarding one.
Stay in the refreshment area for the recommended period of time; mention to
the staff any unusual feelings or sensations; continue to hydrate throughout
the day and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting on the day of donation.
Blood Safety
Assuring the safety of the blood supply is a rigorous process that includes testing, proper processing,
labeling and storage, and careful quality control of donated blood. To help ensure that the blood is as safe
as possible, the American Red Cross:
 Accepts donations only from voluntary blood
donors.
 Provides information about high-risk behaviors
associated with transmissible diseases that may
impact one's ability to donate blood.
 Conducts a behavioral and health history interview
and a mini physical exam with all donors prior to
donation.
 Provides a confidential 800-number donors can call
with any questions or concerns after their donation.

 Tests donations for infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses, syphilis and others and
discards donated blood that have abnormal test results.

 Invests in research and technology to support the development of new and more sophisticated tests.