Hh blood group
Hh blood group
The Hh blood group (pronounced "H-h") is a system of blood group antigens that are produced by a specific gene known as the H gene. The Hh blood group is significant in transfusion medicine and immunohematology.
Pronunciation
- Hh: /ˈeɪtʃ/
Etymology
The term "Hh" is derived from the initial letter of the word "Homo", referring to the Homo sapiens species, as the Hh blood group is unique to humans.
Definition
The Hh blood group consists of two antigens: the H antigen, which is found on virtually all human red blood cells, and the h antigen, which is a variant form of the H antigen. The presence or absence of these antigens determines an individual's Hh blood type.
Related Terms
- Bombay phenotype: A rare variant of the Hh blood group, in which neither H nor h antigens are present on the red blood cells.
- Antigen: A substance that can induce an immune response.
- Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen.
- Transfusion: The process of transferring blood or blood products into a person's bloodstream.
- Immunohematology: The study of the immune system in relation to blood transfusions and blood disorders.
Significance
The Hh blood group is important in transfusion medicine because the presence or absence of H and h antigens can affect the compatibility of blood for transfusion. Individuals with the Bombay phenotype, for example, can only receive blood from other individuals with the same phenotype.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hh blood group
- Wikipedia's article - Hh blood group
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