There are four main blood groups - A, B, AB, and O - which are determined by the presence or absence of antigens A and B on red blood cells. Antibodies in the plasma are either A or B, depending on which antigens are absent. Blood group compatibility must be checked during transfusions to avoid the recipient's antibodies attacking antigens in the donor's blood. The Rh factor also determines transfusion compatibility, and transfusing Rh-positive blood into a Rh-negative recipient can cause health issues upon repeated exposure.