The D antigen is a key feature of which blood group system?

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Multiple Choice

The D antigen is a key feature of which blood group system?

The D antigen defines the Rh blood group system. Its presence on red blood cells means the person is Rh positive, while its absence means Rh negative. D is highly immunogenic, so exposure to D-positive blood by someone who is D-negative can trigger anti-D antibodies, which are a major concern for transfusion safety and can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The Rh system includes other antigens like C, c, E, and e, but D is the most clinically significant marker used to determine Rh status. In contrast, ABO antigens are carbohydrate marks on the cell surface, MN antigens are on glycophorin A, and Kell is a separate antigen system, so the D antigen specifically identifies the Rh system.

The D antigen defines the Rh blood group system. Its presence on red blood cells means the person is Rh positive, while its absence means Rh negative. D is highly immunogenic, so exposure to D-positive blood by someone who is D-negative can trigger anti-D antibodies, which are a major concern for transfusion safety and can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The Rh system includes other antigens like C, c, E, and e, but D is the most clinically significant marker used to determine Rh status. In contrast, ABO antigens are carbohydrate marks on the cell surface, MN antigens are on glycophorin A, and Kell is a separate antigen system, so the D antigen specifically identifies the Rh system.

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