RHFACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Rh factor, also known as Rhesus factor, is a medical term that refers to a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells. This protein is called the Rh antigen and is crucial for determining an individual's blood type. The Rh factor is inherited genetically and is either present (Rh-positive) or absent (Rh-negative) in an individual's blood.
The Rh factor plays a significant role in blood transfusions and pregnancies. If a person's blood type is Rh-negative, they can receive blood from both Rh-negative and Rh-positive donors. However, if an Rh-negative person receives Rh-positive blood, their immune system may mount an immune response, producing antibodies against the Rh antigen present on the transfused red blood cells.
During pregnancy, the Rh factor becomes particularly important in situations where the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. If the fetal blood enters the maternal bloodstream, it can stimulate the production of Rh antibodies in the mother's blood. These antibodies can potentially cause complications in subsequent pregnancies, resulting in Rh disease or hemolytic disease of the newborn.
To prevent such complications, Rh-negative pregnant women are often treated with Rh immune globulin, also known as Rho(D) immune globulin, after childbirth or any potential exposure to Rh-positive blood. This medication helps to prevent the production of Rh antibodies in the mother, reducing the risk of future complications.
In summary, the Rh factor refers to a protein found on red blood cells that determines an individual's blood type. Understanding an individual's Rh factor is crucial for blood transfusions and managing pregnancies to avoid potential complications.
Common Misspellings for RHFACTOR
- ehfactor
- dhfactor
- fhfactor
- thfactor
- 5hfactor
- 4hfactor
- rbfactor
- rnfactor
- rjfactor
- ryfactor
- rhdactor
- rhcactor
- rhvactor
- rhgactor
- rhtactor
- rhractor
- rhfzctor
- rhfsctor
- rhfwctor
- rhfqctor
Etymology of RHFACTOR
The term Rh factor derives from the word Rhesus, which refers to the Rhesus macaque, a species of Old World monkeys. The story behind this term goes back to the mid-20th century when scientists discovered a specific antigen on the surface of red blood cells. This antigen was initially found in Rhesus macaques, and when researchers discovered a similar antigen in human blood, they named it the Rhesus factor or Rh factor.
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