Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Rh factor

Rh factor

1 4.4
A protein on the surface of red blood cells that shows whether blood types match
  • noun
  • /ɑrˈeɪtʃ ˈfæktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : factor Rh
  • Before surgery, the patient's Rh factor must be checked to ensure safe blood transfusions.

Examples

  • Understanding the Rh factor helps in managing pregnancies where the mother has a different blood type than the baby.

  • The Rh factor is crucial for blood transfusions.

  • Differences in Rh factor can complicate childbirth if not properly managed.

  • Doctors must check a patient's Rh factor before a blood transfusion.

  • She learned during pregnancy that her Rh factor was negative.

  • Many people are unaware of their Rh factor.

  • The doctor explained that the Rh factor is crucial for determining blood type compatibility during transfusions.

Synonyms

Rh
vsRh factor
  • Specialized
4 6.0

A protein on red blood cells that shows whether two blood types match for transfusion

is the full formal term used in clinical contexts
RhD
vsRh factor
  • Specialized
6.9

A protein on red blood cells that tells if blood is Rh positive or Rh negative

is used to assess blood compatibility rather than only positive or negative
rhesus factor
vsRh factor
  • Specialized
5.1

A substance in the blood that makes blood Rh-positive or Rh-negative

is focused on determining compatibility rather than highlighting pregnancy effects

Surface Forms

Rh factor singular
Rh factors plural

Morphology

Rh + factor

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'Rh' specifies a particular antigen on red blood cells and 'factor' denotes an element or component, so combined they refer to that antigen/protein relevant to blood type compatibility. Although medical terminology is specialized, a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Rh factor comes from tests on Rhesus monkeys, because doctors first saw a protein on the monkeys' red blood cells and called it 'Rhesus' or Rh. So Rh factor now means the protein on human red blood cells that helps decide if blood types are 'compatible' for transfusion or childbirth.