What is the rhesus factor?
The rhesus factor is a protein that can be present on red blood cells. People with this protein are called rhesus positive (Rh+), while those without it are rhesus negative (Rh-). The rhesus factor plays an important role in blood transfusions and pregnancies, as it affects the compatibility of blood groups.
How is the rhesus factor determined?
The rhesus factor is genetic and is inherited from the parents. If a person has at least one parent with a rhesus-positive gene, chances are that he or she will also be Rh-positive. If both parents are Rh negative, the child will also be Rh negative.
Why is the rhesus factor important?
The rhesus factor is especially important in:
- Blood transfusions: A person with Rh-negative blood cannot receive Rh-positive blood without the immune system reacting to it. This can lead to severe immune reactions.
- Pregnancy: If an Rh-negative woman is pregnant with an Rh-positive baby, her immune system may produce antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells. This can lead to complications such as haemolytic disease of the newborn (HZP), in which the baby’s red blood cells are broken down.
How is the rhesus factor tested?
The rhesus factor can be determined with a simple blood test. This is often done during pregnancy or prior to a blood transfusion.
What happens in case of rhesus incompatibility?
In a pregnancy where the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, the mother’s immune system may produce antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells. This can lead to serious complications in a subsequent pregnancy. Therefore, Rh-negative pregnant women often receive Rh prophylaxis injections to prevent this reaction.
Conclusion
The rhesus factor is an important protein on red blood cells that determines whether a person is Rh-positive or Rh-negative. This affects blood transfusions and pregnancies. A blood test can easily determine whether someone is Rh-positive or Rh-negative, which helps prevent medical complications.
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