Many people die due to lack of blood; this happens when there is no appropriate donor to save them. Blood transfusion has been embraced in contemporary society, and the government, and the majority of people, are aware of their blood types. Today, people voluntarily donate blood to help patients in cases of emergency or accidents. Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to understand their blood type, the people they can donate to, and who they can receive them.
My blood type is AB positive; it contains both A and B antigens, but it has no antibodies. Antigens are small molecules of proteins attached to the surface of red blood cells. On the other hand, antibodies are protein molecules that are within the plasma (“Blood groups,” 2020). This blood type also contains RhD antigen; the presence of this protein makes it positive. If it does not have the RhD antigen, then it is regarded as AB negative.
Blood type AB positive is one of the rarest blood types. According to “Blood groups” (2020), very few donors provide AB positive blood. With this blood type, I can donate only to a person with AB positive. A transfusion reaction will likely occur if AB positive donates to type A or B because they have specific antigens. On the other hand, AB positive is a universal recipient. This means that I can receive blood from all other blood types (“Blood groups,” 2020). This is possible since blood type AB positive does not have antibodies and can receive red blood cells from all the other blood types.
To sum up, understanding one’s blood type is very crucial. Accidents and emergency cases are unpredictable; therefore, with this knowledge, one can save lives. Moreover, knowing that one has the rarest blood type can motivate them to donate frequently. For instance, if AB positive can only donate to AB positive, then there is a need for increased donations for this blood type. Admittedly, the government should create programs to create awareness about blood types and motivate people to donate voluntarily.
Reference
Blood groups. (2020). NHS. Web.