Rh Type

Rh Type

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What's

Rh Type

Rh type refers to the presence or absence of a specific protein, called the Rh factor, on the surface of red blood cells. This protein plays a significant role in determining your blood type, along with the ABO system. If you have the Rh factor, you are considered Rh positive; if you don't, you are Rh negative. Knowing your Rh type is crucial, particularly during pregnancy, as it can affect the health of both the mother and the baby. It is also important in blood transfusions, as mixing incompatible blood types can lead to severe complications. In short, your Rh type is an essential part of your biological makeup, quietly impacting various aspects of your health.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated Rh type levels in a blood test could suggest an unusual result or a possible mistake in the lab, as the Rh factor is typically either present or absent, much like your eye color. It doesn't change or have a range. External factors, such as medications or medical procedures, generally don't affect your Rh type. However, in rare instances, some people might have weak or different expressions of the Rh factor, which could lead to atypical test outcomes. Additionally, it's possible that an Rh positive person may have developed extra Rh antigens due to a past blood transfusion or pregnancy.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Rh Type are not applicable, as the Rh factor is a fixed attribute and does not have a standard range or levels that can be high or low.

If Your Levels are Low

If your Rh type is below standard levels, it means that your red blood cells don't have the Rh factor protein on their surface. This is a natural condition and usually doesn't cause any health issues. However, it can be important in certain situations like pregnancy or blood transfusions. For example, if you're Rh negative and pregnant with an Rh positive baby, your body might react to the baby's Rh factor as if it were a foreign substance. Also, if you're Rh negative, getting Rh positive blood during a transfusion could cause complications. Some medications or treatments might affect your Rh type as well.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Rh Type are generally non-existent, as being Rh negative does not typically cause any health issues or noticeable physical changes. However, specific situations like pregnancy or blood transfusions may lead to complications if not properly managed.

See References

Test for

ABO Group & RH Type

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Whole Blood

This test determines a patient's ABO group and Rh type. ABO group and Rh type are needed to identify candidates for Rh immune globulin. It can also be used to determine the risk of hemolytic disease in newborns.

ABO Group & RH Type

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Whole Blood

This test determines a patient's ABO group and Rh type.

Obstetric Panel

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Whole Blood

Serum

This panel includes tests used for routine prenatal care during early pregnancy.

Functional Health Panel (Female)

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Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The Functional Health Panel provides a comprehensive assessment of a patient's overall health and well-being.

Functional Health Panel (Male)

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Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The Functional Health Panel provides a comprehensive assessment of a patient's overall health and well-being.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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