Rh factor

American  

[ahr-eych fak-ter] / ˈɑrˈeɪtʃ ˌfæk tər /

noun

Physiology.

1. an inherited antigen found on the red blood cells of most people and certain other primates: those with this antigen are Rh positive while those lacking it are Rh negative, the determination of which is especially important when assessing blood-type compatibility for transfusions and pregnancy.

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Rh factor British  

noun

1. Full name: rhesus factor.  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 See also Rh positive Rh negative

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Rh factor Scientific  

/ är′āch′ /

1. 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.

2. See Note at blood type

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Rh factor Cultural  

1. Any of several substances found on the surface of red blood cells in persons.

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An Rh-negative woman who gives birth to an Rh-positive baby may develop antibodies to the Rh factor during her first pregnancy. These antibodies may cause a disorder in Rh-positive babies conceived afterward that could result in the death of the infant if the condition is not recognized and treated.

Etymology

Origin of Rh factor

First recorded in 1940–45; so called because first found in the blood of rhesus monkeys