Do you know your blood type? Even though blood type tests are simple and accessible, many people are not aware of their blood types.There are four blood groups A, B, AB and O. These blood groups refer to the presence of different antigens on the red blood cell. Those whose blood group is AB have both and B antigens on their red blood cells. If you have blood group O, you have neither A or B antigens.Theres an additional antigen, D. People with this antigen are Rhesus D positive. Those who lack the D antigen are said to be RhD negative. The suffix (such as A+ or B-) in blood types usually indicates the presence or absence of the D antigen.1. Blood transfusionBlood transfusions with the wrong blood type can be catastrophic or even fatal. Receiving incompatible blood type can cause the recipients blood to clump, which can quickly become fatal. Therefore, testing the blood type of recipients and donors cant be over-emphasised.But other than transfusion, your blood group has other implications on your health. Although the medical community used to dismiss the idea, recent studies have shown that there could be a link between blood groups and certain health conditions.

For More of This and Other Stories, Grab Your Copy of the Standard Newspaper.

Do not miss out on the latest news. Join the Standard Digital Telegram channel HERE.

Here is the original post:
Explainer: Why you need to know your blood group - Standard Digital