GOLDEN BLOOD GROUP

     👉Rare blood types👈

 

You may already know your blood type: whether it’s A, B, AB or O, and whether it’s positive or negative. But those are just the most common categories—what about the rest? What about people with ‘rare’ blood who don’t fit into any of these categories, thanks to uncommon combinations (or absences) of certain antigens?

There are hundreds of different antigens across more than 36 blood group systems that may be present on our red blood cells. For example, you may have AB blood in the ABO blood group system, be Rh positive in the Rh system, as well as being K positive in the Kell system, and so on.


One of the rarest blood types in the world is Rhnull, sometimes referred to as ‘Golden blood'

One of the rarest blood types in the world is Rhnull, sometimes referred to as ‘golden blood’. People with this blood type have a complete absence of any of the Rh antigens. It was first discovered in an Aboriginal Australian and is extremely rare, with fewer than 50 individuals known to have Rhnull blood in the 50 years after its discovery. Its rarity means that donations of Rhnull are incredibly scarce and difficult to obtain when an Rhnull individual needs a blood transfusion, relying on the cooperation of a small network of regular Rhnull donors around the world to ensure this blood type is always available when needed. 
When Rhnull individuals need major surgery, it can be challenging to make sure doctors have a supply of donated Rhnull blood available on standby. Image adapted from: Piron Guillaume; CC0

Interestingly, for reasons that aren’t well understood by scientists, not all ‘foreign’ antigens are equally likely to be targeted for destruction by antibodies. So, although there are 36 recognised blood group systems in total, there are only certain types that doctors and patients need to be careful about when it comes to blood transfusions. ABO antibodies, for example, are pretty much always clinically significant. Other blood groups that are likely to cause transfusion reactions include the blood types MNS, Kell, Kid and Duffy.

What is golden blood?


The surface of blood cells is coated with up to 342 antigens whose combination determines a person's blood type.

In 1961, a new type, that lacked all 61 antigens in the Rh system, was discovered. It was named Rh-null. 43 people have had it, but currently there are only nine active donors, making it the world's most precious blood type (hence the name golden).“It’s the golden blood,” said Dr. Thierry Peyrard, director of the National Immunohematology Reference Laboratory in Paris.

In an article published by The Atlantic, Rhnull was dubbed golden blood by many doctors and scientists as it is very rare and donors were and still are extremely limited.

Next to the ABO system, Rhnull is the most significant blood group in transfusion medicine. 

Making Rh-null blood donations is not easy

People with Rh-null blood can be universal donors but because of its rarity, it can get extremely difficult for them, should they need it.

Besides, donating the golden blood across borders isn't easy. The process is often hampered by bureaucracy. Some countries just don't allow it. Those who do, don't pay the donors for travel, forcing them to do it at their own expense.

People with Rh-null blood type lead regular lives

There are no side-effects or health complications of having Rh-null blood type. Though such people can be mildly anemic, they can lead regular lives.
However, because of the rarity of their blood, they need to be extra careful. They can't be reckless with activities than can cause injuries and result in blood loss. They also need to be more mindful than others when travelling.
According to the study, only 14 families with the Rhnull phenotype have been recorded in medical literature. The Rhnull phenotype is produced by at least two different genetic mechanisms.
Reportedly, 45 independent antigens are shown to be absent in this so-called golden blood, which means anyone with the Rhnull blood does not express any antigens in their red blood cells. Because of this, Rhnull blood is considered to be the new universal blood for anyone with rare blood types within the Rh system. The Rhnull phenotype reportedly happens in one in 6 million people.
This makes it a highly prized blood type by doctors, but could, however, be very dangerous for anyone with Rhnull blood in times when they need blood transfusion due to the lack of available donors.

 

This article was adapted from Academy website content and reviewed by the following experts: Professor David O. Irving Director, Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service; Dr Ashley Ng Haematologist and Clinical Translational Research Fellow, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute; Professor Robert Flower National Research Program Leader, Product Safety, Australian Red Cross Blood Service; Associate Professor Catherine Hyland, Principal Research Fellow, Australian Red Cross Blood Service

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