Rh factor

Rh factor, also called rhesus factor, refers to proteins found on the surface of red blood cells. A person whose red blood cells have the Rh(D) antigen is Rh-positive, while a person without it is Rh-negative. Rh factor is inherited through GENES and is important in BLOOD TRANSFUSION and PREGNANCY because differences between maternal and fetal Rh status can lead to immune reactions.

Rh factor is a blood characteristic that determines whether a person's blood type is positive or negative.

• Blood group feature found on red blood cells • Determines positive or negative blood type • Controlled by inherited genes • Important for blood transfusions • Important during pregnancy compatibility • Also called rhesus factor