Blood Types and Rh Factor Explained
Every person has a blood type, (O, A, B, or AB) and an Rh factor, either positive or negative. The blood type and the Rh factor simply mean that a person's blood has certain specific characteristics. The blood type is found as proteins on red blood cells and in body fluids. The Rh factor is a protein that is found on the covering of the red blood cells. If the Rh factor protein is present on the cells, the person is Rh-positive. If there is no Rh factor protein, the person is Rh- negative.
The following are the possible combinations of blood types with the Rh factors:
Rh Positive Blood Types:
A+, B+, 0+ and AB+
Rh Negative Blood Types:
A-, B-, 0- and AB-
Rh factors are genetically determined. A baby may have the blood type and Rh factor of either parent, or a combination of both parents. Rh factors follow a common pattern of genetic inheritance. The Rh-positive gene is dominant (stronger) and even when paired with an Rh-negative gene, the positive gene takes over.
If a person has the genes + +, the Rh factor in the blood will be positive.
If a person has the genes + -, the Rh factor will also be positive.
If a person has the genes - -, the Rh factor will be negative.
