- Blood is composed of cells and plasma. The main cellular components are red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. RBCs contain hemoglobin and transport oxygen. WBCs act as phagocytes in the immune system. Platelets help with clotting. Plasma is 55% of blood volume and contains water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and wastes. - The Rh factor refers to positive or negative blood types based on the presence or absence of antigens. If an Rh negative mother has an Rh positive baby, her immune system can produce antibodies that destroy the baby's RBCs in future pregnancies, causing hemolytic disease of the new