AEMCA Practice Exam

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What does the Rh factor indicate?

Presence of A antigen
Presence of B antigen
Presence of a specific red blood cell antigen
Presence of O antigen

The correct answer is: Presence of a specific red blood cell antigen

The Rh factor specifically refers to the presence of a particular antigen on the surface of red blood cells, known as the D antigen. This antigen is a key component in determining an individual's blood type in the Rh blood group system. When someone is Rh-positive, it means that the D antigen is present; if they are Rh-negative, the D antigen is absent. Understanding the Rh factor is crucial in medical contexts, especially during blood transfusions and pregnancy, as incompatibilities can lead to serious health risks. The other options relate to the ABO blood group system, which involves different antigens, specifically A and B antigens. The presence of these antigens is what classifies blood into types A, B, AB, or O. However, these options do not address the specific role of the Rh factor, which is entirely separate from the ABO classification. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the unique role of the Rh factor in blood typing.