How does ABO incompatibility happen?
A, B, and O are the three main blood types. The types are categorized according to little substances (molecules) on the exterior of the blood cells. In people who have diverse blood types, these molecules act as antigens or immune system triggers. Each individual has a mixture of two of these surface molecules. Type O is without any molecule. The different blood types are: * Type A (AA or AO molecules) * Type B (BB or BO molecules) * Type AB * Type O People who have one blood type form antibodies or proteins that make their immune system react against other blood types. Being exposed to a different type of blood can trigger a reaction. This is important when a patient wants to be given blood (transfusion) or have an organ transplant. The blood types must be matched to prevent ABO incompatibility reaction. For instance * A patient with type A blood will act in response against type B or type AB blood * A patient with type B blood will act in response against type A or type AB blood * A
