Final answer:
Blood types are determined by the antigens present on red blood cells, with Type A, Type B, Type AB, and Type O being the main types. Phlebotomists draw blood for testing or transfusions. Compatibility of blood types is vital for transfusion safety, with Type O serving as the universal donor due to the lack of antigens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood Types and Phlebotomy. The different blood types are characterized by the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs).
- Type A blood has only the A antigen.
- Type B blood has only the B antigen.
- Type AB blood has both A and B antigens.
- Type O blood has neither the A nor the B antigen, making it the universal donor.
The regulation of gene expression determines which antigens are present on the red blood cells. Phlebotomy is a practice where trained professionals, called phlebotomists, draw blood for various purposes, such as testing and transfusions. A patient's blood type is critical for safe transfusions, as receiving blood with incompatible antigens can cause an adverse immune response. In emergency situations where blood type cannot be immediately determined, Type O blood is transfused because it lacks A and B antigens, reducing the risk of reaction. For scheduled procedures, a lab technician will use specific antibodies to determine a patient's blood type; agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies indicates Type AB blood.
Understanding blood types is crucial for medical lab technicians and blood bank technology specialists, who conduct blood typing among various other tests to ensure patient compatibility and safety during transfusions.