0
O negative blood type is referred to as the "universal donor", however this applies to blood products only. Tissue transplantation is a more complex case requiring the matching of several different factors referred to as major and minor histocompatibility complexes. This answer will only approach blood transfusions as the immunology of tissue transplantation is extremely complex.
Human red blood cells possess a particular marker on their surface (a glycoprotein know as the H antigen) which allows the body (specifically the immune system) to recognize them. There are 3 versions of this marker and we term them A, B and O. The A and B forms are modifications of the O form which is shared between all 3 types. As the O form is common to A, B and O blood types it will not be recognized as foreign within the body.
The negative refers to the Rhesus type which is a separate marker on the red blood cell. In this case, some people have the marker (Rhesus positive) and some do not (Rhesus negative). If the Rhesus factor is present on blood cells that are given to a person who does not naturally express the Rhesus factor their body will reject those cells. If however the blood cells do not have the Rhesus factor, there is nothing to recognize and they will be accepted by the body.
There are many other antigens on red blood cells which vary between individuals however the H antigen and the Rhesus factor are the most important. In a person who has never received a blood transfusion it is satisfactory to match only these 2 markers. People who have had previous transfusion however may have built up immunity to other less important antigens. These patients require more extensive cross matching of any blood they are to receive to prevent rejection.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
When is Pulmonary rehab after Lung transplant?
Everyone is different. My transplant surgeon has told me that IF everything is ok with the transplant recipient at six-weeks post transplant, they will usually recommend that pulmonary rehab get started. Starting out with an evaluation and working up the program slowly.
Can you get a transplant if you are gay?
of course. Gay people are the same as everyone else in the world.
What is the birth name of Ove Rud?
Ove Rud's birth name is Ove Christian Rud.
What is the birth name of Ove Tjernberg?
Ove Tjernberg's birth name is Sten Ove Filip Tjernberg.
When was Ove Gjedde born?
Ove Gjedde was born in 1594.
When did Ove Gjedde die?
Ove Gjedde died in 1660.
When did Ove Rode die?
Ove Rode died in 1933.
When was Ove Rode born?
Ove Rode was born in 1867.
When was Ove Dalsheim born?
Ove Dalsheim was born in 1944.
When was Ove Lemicka born?
Ove Lemicka was born in 1961.
When was Ove Thorsheim born?
Ove Thorsheim was born in 1949.
When was Ove Nylén born?
Ove Nylén was born in 1959.
