The type of antigens present on the outermost layer of your red blood cells determines your blood type. Your blood is categorized into one of four categories by the ABO blood typing system, and they are called A, B, AB, and O. If you have A antigen, your blood type is A, if B antigen is present in your blood, you have type B blood, type AB has both antigens A and B, and antigens A and B are absent from type O blood. In addition to being useful in medical emergencies, knowing your blood type can provide fascinating health-related insights.
Thankfully, a quick blood group test may determine your blood type, giving you important information about your health, and even expressing how useful you are as a blood donor. In this article, we will discover the intricacies of blood types and the multitude of insights that may be gathered from a blood type test.
What are Blood Types?
Healthcare professionals can ascertain your blood type by using blood grouping and Rh factor tests. The four primary blood types are O, B, AB, and A, and these categories depend on the type of antigen present in your red blood cells. If the red blood cells contain the Rh protein, your blood type is classified as positive (+), and if not, it gets classified as negative (-). That is the reason each primary blood type has two varieties, and there are eight blood types in total:
- A positive (A+)
- A negative (A-)
- B positive (B+)
- B negative (B-)
- AB positive (AB+)
- AB negative (AB-)
- O positive (O+)
- O negative (O-)
Only a blood group test can determine blood types, and it is a good idea to perform this test even if you do not require the result for any immediate purpose.
Effects of Blood Type on Health
Several research have identified links between blood type and risk factors for certain specific illnesses. Individuals with blood type AB, for instance, typically have greater concentrations of a protein that promotes blood clotting that may be associated with strokes. In a similar manner, research indicates that those with type A and type B blood have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Blood type O individuals, on the other hand, often have a higher resilience to many major illnesses, and tests have revealed that people with blood type O have a markedly lower risk of cancer. Numerous research has also shown that people with blood type O naturally defend against one of the most dangerous kinds of malaria, and studies have also revealed that those with blood type O had the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. A doctor can find out your blood type through a blood group test and advise you on the precautions you may take to safeguard yourself against illnesses.
- Possible Risks of Heart Disease : You may be more susceptible to illnesses such as heart disease and heart attacks depending on your blood type. This is caused by a gene known as the ABO gene, which is found in individuals with blood types A, B, or AB, and type O is the only blood type without this gene. To find out if you have this gene, you can do a blood group test. Carrying the ABO gene may put you at higher risk of having a heart attack than non-carriers, and having the ABO gene may raise your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well.
- Cancer Risks : Many variables have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, and it can be challenging to determine which ones warrant further investigation. However, it has been shown that those with Type A blood especially have a greater risk of cancer compared to those with other blood types. Researchers have used the blood grouping and Rh factor test to determine whether there's a chance that the ABO gene contributes to an increased risk of cancer. There is no clear explanation for why having the ABO gene may increase your chance of developing certain malignancies, even though this association has been researched for more than 50 years, and it demonstrates a correlation.
- Memory Loss Factors : Memory loss and brain function are linked to the ABO gene, and compared to those with blood type O, those with blood types A, B, and AB have an increased risk of developing cognitive and memory issues, which can eventually result in dementia. The fact that blood type may cause conditions like diabetes is one potential explanation for this memory loss because dementia and cognitive impairment may result from several illnesses. A blood group test can show if you have this gene, and you may take certain steps to safeguard against these difficult illnesses.
- Blood Clot Formation : When blood clots in a vein, such as those in your legs, it is known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), and sometimes, these clots spread to your lungs. Individuals with blood types A, B, or AB are more likely to have VTE, according to research, but the ones with type O blood, also known as the universal donor blood group, have less chance of getting VTE.
Final Remarks
Blood type is determined by the presence of antigen that has three variations called A, B, and O. That is the reason there are four blood types that depend on whether you have A antigen, B antigen, both, or neither. A child with blood type AB, for instance, would receive an A version of the gene from one parent and a B version from the other. Blood type A and B are produced by inheriting an O and an A or B form of the gene, whereas blood type O is produced by receiving two O versions of the gene. O is known as the universal donor blood group since it doesn’t contain A-type or B-type antigens and is safe for people of every blood group.
Pathkind Labs is a reliable testing facility that has 3000+ exclusive blood collection centers. You may do a blood group test from Pathkind Labs to determine your blood type because doctors recommend that you take this test and keep the record in case any medical emergency occurs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Do we inherit our blood type from our parents?
Answer:- Yes, your blood type is inherited from your biological parents, and your parents are the source of the Rh factor as well. You inherit this gene from both your parents, and that is the reason your blood type may differ from your mother’s or father’s particular blood type.
- Is it possible for my blood type to change?
Answer:- Your blood type will remain the same throughout your life because you inherit it from your parents through genes. Rarely, though, blood types can alter, but the shift has to do with special conditions such as receiving a bone marrow transplant.
- What are positive and negative blood types?
Answer:- Your blood type is affected by the Rh factor, which can either be positive or negative. Your blood type is positive if you have the Rh D antigen, and your blood type is negative if you do not.
- What effects does my blood type have on my health?
Answer:- One factor that may increase your chance of developing certain health disorders is your blood type, and if you understand the potential effects of your blood type on your health, you can maintain an appropriate lifestyle to avoid those illnesses.
- What are the risks of not knowing my blood type?
Answer:- In case of any medical emergency, knowing your blood type can be very useful. Doctors can perform emergency procedures when they know your blood type and give you the blood supply that you may require.