Rh Factor (Noun)
Meaning
A blood group antigen possessed by Rh-positive people; if an Rh-negative person receives a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive person it can result in hemolysis and anemia.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Pregnant women with Rh-negative blood type require special care to prevent their immune system from reacting to the Rh factor in their unborn child's blood.
- A person's Rh factor is usually determined during pregnancy or before a blood transfusion to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
- In individuals with an Rh-negative blood type, exposure to the Rh factor can trigger the production of antibodies against it.
- If a person with an Rh-negative blood type receives blood from someone with an Rh-positive blood type, their immune system may react to the Rh factor in the donated blood.
- Doctors consider the Rh factor when determining the compatibility of blood types for transfusions to prevent hemolysis and other complications.