Understanding Blood Types: Importance in Transfusions

The idea and concept behind this project is to identify the unknown blood types of the synthetic samples. Synthetic blood is used for blood transfusions and is important because if someone was given the incompatible blood type, you could become very sick and possibly die. Blood transfusions are very helpful for saving lives but negative outcomes will occur if the blood is not compatible. This background research paper will discuss different blood types and the importance of blood transfusions.

Proteins are any of a large class of complex organic chemical compounds that form the basis tissues and play a central role in biological processes (The American Heritage Student Science Dictionary 272). Proteins are essential to building muscle mass.

Blood platelets help play out coagulation. White blood cells are a big help and play a huge role in the immune system. Red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide back and forth throughout the body. Because blood is made in the bones, it is considered a type of connective tissue (Components of the Blood). There are three blood types. There are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A blood transfusion is a very safe and is the safest way to transport blood through and intravenous line (IV). To donate blood you must have the compatible blood type as the person that will be having transfusion. They are done to replace and refill blood that was lost in the body. The blood lost could have happened during surgery or through a serious injury. If can also be done if your body can’t regulate body the blood properly. The blood banks stores, collects, and tests blood (What is a Blood

There are four types of blood, Type A, Type B, Type AB, and Type O. Antigens are proteins and different types of sugars that our bodies use to identify the blood cells that correspond with our blood types. Blood cells markers (antigens) are very small. In fact, they are microscopic. They can make the decisions and can make differences if the blood is accepted or rejected after a transfusion. So medical experts make things easier and usually group blood into different types based on and according to their markers.

The Rh factor is an antigen present in red blood cell, used in the classification of human blood. The blood cells of most people contain an Rh factor. For a blood transfusion to be successful the blood of the donor must match that of the recipient – both must have or must be missing the Rh factor (The American Heritage Student Science Dictionary 289). It is a type of protein that is located on the top surface or layer of the red blood cells. Most people who have the Rh factor are usually Rh positive. The people who don’t have the Rh factor are Rh negative (Rh