Rh Factor VS RhD Factor

Bottom Line:

They are the same thing! D is the most common antigen in the Rh blood group system so people keep things simple by just saying “Rh” instead of RhD. Note that RhD can also be denoted as RhO (sometimes using a subscript letter O or number 0). So Rh, RhD, RhO, RhoD, RhO or Rh0 can all refer to the D antigen of the Rh blood group system.

Memory Aids:

When in doubt, it’s the Rh D antigen. Continue reading “Rh Factor VS RhD Factor”

Fever VS Hyperthermia

Bottom Line:

Fever is a kind of hyperthermia where the physiological “set point” in the brain has been increased and the body attempts to maintain a high temperature (>38.3°C or 101°F) as though it were normal body temperature. Other kinds of hyperthermia i.e. heat stroke, malignant hyperthermia, etc. are increases in body temperature despite efforts by the thermoregulatory centres of the body trying to cool it down.

Memory Aids:

Fever is a kind of hyperthermia characterized by an increase in the “set point”. Continue reading “Fever VS Hyperthermia”

Hepatitis B: HBsAg VS Anti-HBs

Bottom Line:

HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is the one you are most likely to see on routine screening bloodwork for Hep B. If it is positive the person is likely actively infected with Hep B either chronically or acutely.

Memory Aids:

Surface Antigen is the one you want to remember. Continue reading “Hepatitis B: HBsAg VS Anti-HBs”