Rhesus factor

Dr. John Campbell
Dr. John Campbell
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Published 2015-11-17
The second common blood grouping uses the Rhesus factor (Rh factor), so called because it was first discovered in Rhesus monkeys. Rhesus factor is in addition to the ABO groups. This factor is simply present or absent on the redcells. Unlike the ABO system there are no naturally occurring antibodies in the plasma, but antibodies may develop in a Rhesus negative individual if they are exposed to Rhesus positive blood.
Recipients who are Rhesus negative should therefore only receive Rhesus negative blood. If they were to be given Rhesus positive blood there would beno reaction on the first occasion, but the introduction of Rhesus antigens would cause the recipient to produce Rhesus factor antibodies. This means if the patient were to be given Rhesus positive blood on a second occasion, the new Rhesus factor antibodies would bind to the donated Rhesus factor antigen, leading to agglutination. Therefore Rhesus negative recipients may only receive Rhesus negative blood. However, in theory, Rhesus positive patients may receive Rhesus negative blood, as the red cells contain no antigens.
Once the Rhesus factor is taken into account it means that O negative is the universal donor and AB positive the universal recipient. The Rhesus factor is sometimes referred to as the D factor. This is because the most active component of the Rhesus factor antigen is termed the D factor.
All Comments (21)
  • @jeni2139
    I am also from Basque origins with O negative Rh. This is the first thorough clear explanation, I've ever had. I remember feeling sick after the Rhogam shot but, I have 5 beautiful children! Thank you for visually drawing it all out!
  • @TalkTalk44
    I am RH negative and had a blood transfusion,,unfortunately it was RH positive blood.I thought that I was dying the reaction was a powerful one .The nurse realized that I was being given the wrong blood type and quickly withdrew the transfusion .. I was lucky that I survived the ordeal...
  • @LauraBoynton
    IT'S SO WEIRD SO MANY DR'S, EVEN SPECIALIST, ALSO THE CDC, DON'T EVEN KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT RH NEGATIVE BLOOD TYPES, THAT'S PRETTY SAD, BECAUSE IT ,IN MY OPINION IS HUGE, SOO MUCH STUFF WE EXPERIENCE,.....UUGHHHHH
  • @and4all706
    Lets get real here. All we care about is where we came from. All the A, B, and O stuff is just filling time. Just tell us how this came to be. Are we from somewhere other than earth? If so, how did it happen? How did we get here?
  • @AGNTMedia
    That was the best explanation I've seen, very easy to follow and understand. Thank you for clarifying the bloodtypes and rhesus factor :)
  • @gladysrosario3821
    Finally, I found a very easy explanation of the negative rhesus factor. Thanks!!
  • @catshez
    I love your diagrams !! Thanks to them and your explanation, I understand! So your work as a teacher has succeeded where others haven't! 😂😉😃👌👌 Thank you !
  • @Rich.Aardvark
    Great video. Your a great teacher and have a great way of explaining things. No wonder your a big star now! I found this video because my friend son had ipex syndrome. He recovered with a bone marrow transplant thankfully. His mum has the Rh factor. I became interested in blood types and the geographical map after one of your recent videos ( I'm o-). I understand now (a bit) how they effect the immune system. Thank you.
  • @chockypompom
    Thank you for the upload,very informative and to the point.
  • @lisek2750
    Thank you so much! This is a great explanation, kind regards, L (med student, Sydney, Aus)
  • @kerylholt1921
    AB- had covid, never even knew, never ill, RH- are far stronger to fighting illness, any hospital will tell you that
  • @adox8574
    Thanks for the video! would you mind making one on the origins of RH- blood or one at least with the theories behind it? I am AB- so been researching it but unfortunately there is tons and tons of crazy stuff out there. For example theories that Rh- is some illuminati blood line, a alien blood line, and so much more crazy stuff. While it's entertaining I would actually like to know some realistic theories.
  • @oliviabrodie1319
    Thank you for a wonderful presentation. I am writing a few books.
  • @rexm5812
    Dr. Campbell...excellent class room sir. Well done and thank you! Question: what is the earliest date when someone was 1st known to have...RH Negative blood? Thank you again - Rx
  • @robertvalderaz7329
    i never get sick, have awareness, sense things, and haven't caught desease that have bee. exposed to, plus look 20 years younger than I am. anyo e else?
  • @Bedowname
    thank you soo much finally someone that actually explains this well.. my lecturer just read some points off powerpoint slide :(