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These relate to blood cell types and can be available in any combination in a person. Thus, a person's blood may contain both type A and B cell types. They would then be classified as type AB. Having neither of these cell types indicates type O.
These relate to blood cell types and can be available in any combination in a person. Thus, a person's blood may contain both type A and B cell types. They would then be classified as type AB. Having neither of these cell types indicates type O.
Blood type is also classified through a rhesus antigen factor, also known as the Rh factor of blood. Of the four blood types in the ABO system, any can have a positive or negative Rh factor. Transfusion patients or those needing blood can receive Rh positive blood only if they are Rh positive as well; Rh negative blood can be given to either an Rh positive or negative patient. Genetically, having a positive rhesus antigen factor is a dominant trait.
Under the so-called ABO blood classification system in use for more than a century, Type O blood can be given to anyone, because it lacks such antigens. People with this blood type are known as ''"Universal Donors"'' and are much in demand by [[phlebotomist]]s. But Type A blood can only be given to people whose blood is Types A or AB, and Type B blood can only be used in those with blood Types B or AB. Type AB people are known as ''"Universal Recipients"'' as they can receive blood from any other blood type as well as their own.<ref>[http://www.washtimes.com/national/20070404-122704-3244r.htm Washington Times article]</ref>
Under the so-called ABO blood classification system in use for more than a century, Type O blood can be given to anyone, because it lacks such antigens. People with this blood type are known as ''"Universal Donors"'' and are much in demand by [[phlebotomist]]s. But Type A blood can only be given to people whose blood is Types A or AB, and Type B blood can only be used in those with blood Types B or AB. Type AB people are known as ''"Universal Recipients"'' as they can receive blood from any other blood type as well as their own.<ref>[http://www.washtimes.com/national/20070404-122704-3244r.htm Washington Times article]</ref>