Question

What is the Rh factor in the circulatory system?

Answer 1

Rh factor:

1. Rh is an antigen found on the red blood cells of many humans (about 85%) and other primates.
2. It's extremely crucial because it's the cause of an infant hemolytic illness and blood transfusion incompatibility.
3. Rh antigen is similar to one present in Rhesus monkeys hence the name Rh(rhesus) factor.
4. Rh-positive (Rh+ve) people are those who have this antigen, while Rh-negative people don't have it (Rh-ve).
5. When an Rh-negative individual is exposed to Rh-positive blood, specific antibodies against the Rh antigens develop.