Rh factor is determined by which red blood cell antigen?

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Rh factor is defined by the presence or absence of the D antigen on the surface of red blood cells. If the D antigen is present, the blood is Rh positive; if it is absent, the blood is Rh negative. The D antigen (RhD) is the defining component of the Rh system and is the most immunogenic, which is why Rh matching matters in transfusions and pregnancy. The A and B antigens belong to the ABO system and are unrelated to Rh status, while the H antigen serves as the precursor for ABO antigens and does not determine Rh positivity.