RH analysis is a medical test that is used to determine whether a person has the Rh factor, a protein that is found on the surface of red blood cells. The Rh factor is also known as the Rhesus factor, and it is named after the Rhesus monkey, where it was first discovered in 1940.
The Rh factor is an important blood group antigen, and it is one of the most common antigens found on the surface of red blood cells. About 85% of the population is Rh positive, while the remaining 15% is Rh negative. A person’s Rh status is determined by inheriting either one or two copies of the Rh gene from their parents.
The Rh factor is important in pregnancy because if a woman who is Rh negative becomes pregnant with a baby who is Rh positive, her immune system can create antibodies against the baby’s Rh factor. This can lead to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can cause severe anemia, jaundice, brain damage, and even death.
To prevent this from happening, a woman who is Rh negative may receive an injection of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) during pregnancy and after delivery if the baby is Rh positive. The RhIg works by preventing the woman’s immune system from creating antibodies against the baby’s Rh factor.
The RH analysis test is usually done as part of routine blood testing, and it is particularly important for pregnant women to know their Rh status. The test is simple and involves drawing a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
If the test results show that a person is Rh positive, it means that they have the Rh factor protein on their red blood cells. If the results show that a person is Rh negative, it means that they do not have the Rh factor protein on their red blood cells.
Knowing a person’s Rh status is important for medical professionals, especially when it comes to blood transfusions and pregnancy. In some cases, a person may need a blood transfusion that is Rh compatible, which means that the donor blood must be Rh positive or Rh negative depending on the recipient’s Rh status. Additionally, knowing a woman’s Rh status during pregnancy can help doctors monitor her pregnancy more closely and take appropriate measures to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.
