Rh Factor

Rh factor (also known as Rh antigen or Rh isoantigen) is a protein located on the surface of red blood cells. It plays an important role in blood transfusions and pregnancy.

There are two main variants of the Rh factor - Rh positive (Rh+) and Rh negative (Rh-). People who are Rh positive have this antigen on their red blood cells, but those who are Rh negative do not.

The Rh factor is inherited from the parents. If both parents are Rh positive, then their children will be Rh positive. If one of the parents is Rh negative, then the children are equally likely to inherit both positive and negative Rh.

When transfusing blood, it is important to consider the compatibility of the Rh factors of the donor and recipient in order to avoid an immune reaction.

And during pregnancy, a discrepancy between the Rh factors of the mother and the fetus can lead to Rh conflict and hemolytic disease of the fetus. Therefore, pregnant Rh-negative women with an Rh-positive fetus are often prescribed special medications to prevent this complication.

Rh factor is a protein or complex of proteins on the surface of red blood cells. Some people have them, while others don't. People with Rh negative factor can only receive Rh positive blood transfusions if there are no liver problems. Cells with a negative Rh factor are recognized by the immune system as foreign and in rare cases lead to complications.