Rh blood group system

The Rh blood group system classifies red cells by antigens encoded mainly by the RHD and RHCE genes. The D antigen determines whether blood is designated Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

D antigen: A red-cell surface antigen whose presence usually defines Rh-positive status. Its presence or absence supplies the familiar positive-or-negative label.
Rh incompatibility: An immune conflict that can occur when maternal and fetal red-cell antigens differ. Maternal antibodies against fetal D antigen can drive this incompatibility.
Blood typing: Laboratory testing that identifies blood group antigens on red cells. Rh typing detects D antigen and informs transfusion compatibility.
Karl Landsteiner: An Austrian-American physician who discovered the ABO blood groups and advanced immunology. His blood-group research established the scientific setting for later Rh discoveries.
Rh-positive: A blood designation indicating that red cells express the D antigen, subject to typing conventions. It describes the common D-positive category within this system.
RhCE antigens: Red-cell antigens C, c, E, and e, encoded by the RHCE gene. They show that the system includes clinically relevant antigens beyond D.
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: A disorder in which maternal antibodies destroy fetal or newborn red cells. Anti-D antibodies can cross the placenta and cause this disease.
Crossmatching: A pretransfusion test assessing compatibility between donor red cells and recipient plasma. Rh antibodies can make otherwise suitable donor cells incompatible.
Alexander S. Wiener: An American physician and immunohematologist who helped characterize Rh blood-group reactions. His work shaped the early account and terminology of the Rh system.
Rh-negative: A blood designation indicating that red cells lack detectable D antigen under standard testing. It names the D-negative category, not the absence of every Rh antigen.

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