Blood type Blood Transfusion in addition to the common ABO and Rh systems. Thus, in addition to the ABO antigens and Rh antigens, many other antigens are expressed on the RBC surface membrane. For example, an individual can be AB, D positive, and at the same time M and N positive (MNS system), K positive (Kell system), Le or Le negative (Lewis system), and so on, being positive or negative for each blood group system antigen. Many of the blood group systems were named after the patients in whom the corresponding antibodies were initially encountered. Transfusion medicine is a specialized branch of
Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions who are Jehovah's Witness would not administer blood transfusions to fellow dedicated members. As to administering transfusions to non-members, "The Watchtower" stated that such a decision is "left to the Christian doctor's own conscience." In 1982, a "Watchtower" article declared that it would be wrong for a Witness to allow a leech to feed on his/her blood as part of a medical procedure, due to the sacredness of blood. In 1989 "The Watchtower" stated, "Each individual must decide" whether to accept hemodilution and autologous blood salvage (cell saver) procedures. In 1990, a brochure entitled "How Can Blood Save Your Life?"