Rh factor

Rh factor

n.

Any of several substances on the surface of red blood cells that induce a strong antigenic response in individuals lacking the substance.

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[Rh(esus factor).]

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Rh factor

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) an agglutinogen commonly found in human blood: it may cause a haemolytic reaction, esp during pregnancy or following transfusion of blood that does not contain this agglutinogen Full name rhesus factor See also Rh positive, Rh negative

[named after the rhesus monkey, in which it was first discovered]

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Rh factor  (ärch)

Any of several antigens present on the surface of red blood cells in most humans. People with Rh factors are classified as having a blood type that is Rh positive, while people who lack the antigen are said to be Rh negative and can produce powerful antibodies that destroy red blood cells if given a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive donor. A woman who is Rh negative and is pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus can produce antibodies that are life threatening to the fetus. See Note at blood type.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Rh factor - a blood group antigen possessed by Rh-positive people; if an Rh-negative person receives a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive person it can result in hemolysis and anemia Rh, rhesus factor antigen - any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)