Blood type is an important part of the human body system that plays a role in various aspects of health, especially in the field of blood transfusion. In general, blood types are categorized into the ABO system (A, B, AB, and O) and the Rhesus factor (Rh) which can be positive or negative.
However, there are some blood types that are rare and only owned by a handful of people in the world. These rare blood types are important in the medical world, especially when transfusions with a high level of compatibility are needed. Understanding them can help ensure the availability of suitable donors and prevent the risk of complications of transfusion reactions.
Blood Types and Their Rarity
In general, the distribution of blood types varies by region and population. Based on the ABO and Rhesus systems, the most common blood types are O(+) and A(+), while the rarer blood types are B(-) and O(-), and the least common is AB(-). However, there are some blood types that are very rare, even found in only a handful of individuals in the world. Here are some rare blood types that you need to know:
1. Bombay Blood Group
The Bombay blood group was first discovered in India and is very rare outside of South Asia with a prevalence of around 1:1,000,000 in Europe. Individuals with this blood group do not have the H antigen structure, which is the basis of the ABO blood group. Although at first glance it resembles blood group O and is often interpreted as blood group O, this Bombay blood group is different because the H antigen structure it does not have distinguishes it from blood group O in the ABO blood group system. As a result, they cannot receive transfusions from blood group O because it can cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Therefore, the Bombay blood group can only receive blood transfusions from fellow Bombay blood owners. However, uniquely, people with Bombay blood group can donate their blood to all types of blood groups.
2. Blood Type Rh null
Referred to as "golden blood," Rh null blood is extremely rare because it lacks all Rh antigens, including the D antigen and 50 other antigens in the Rhesus system. Rh null blood is different from Rh - , which only lacks the D antigen on the surface of its red blood cells.
To date, there are only less than 50 people in the world known to have this blood type. Because of its rarity, Rh null blood is very valuable in the medical world. Rh null is also a universal donor for people who have rare blood types in the Rhesus system so it is very much needed for special transfusion cases although its administration requires high precision because it is difficult to get it back.
3. Lutheran blood type is null
The Lutheran blood type is the fifth blood type to be discovered and is now known to have 19 complex antigens in its system. The Lutheran null blood type is extremely rare and to date only about 5 people in the world have been reported to have this blood type. Individuals with this blood type do not have the Lutheran a (Lu a -) and Lutheran B (Lu b -) antigens on the surface of their red blood cells. Although not widely known by the general public, this blood type can pose a challenge in the transfusion process if necessary.
Why is it Important to Know Your Rare Blood Type?
Knowing your blood type is not only important for personal medical purposes, but it can also save the lives of others. For those with rare blood types, donating blood can be a major contribution to the world of health. Blood banks and international blood donor organizations often have special networks for storing and distributing rare blood to ensure it is available when needed.
Additionally, awareness of rare blood types can help individuals be better prepared in an emergency. For example, someone with Bombay or Rh null blood type may want to keep that information on a medical card or bracelet to facilitate medical intervention in a critical situation.
How to Find Out Your Blood Type?
Knowing your blood type is important information for your health. Here are some methods that can be done to get accurate and reliable results:
1. Laboratory Tests
Blood type examination can be done in a hospital or health laboratory through a blood test. The blood sample will be tested with a special reagent to see the reaction to certain antigens on red blood cells. This method is the simplest and fastest way to determine a person's blood type.
2. Blood Donation
Some blood banks provide blood type information to donors after they donate. When blood is collected, the blood bank will perform laboratory tests to determine the blood type and Rhesus factor before the blood is used for medical purposes. This process not only benefits the donor by knowing their blood type, but also helps increase the availability of suitable blood for patients in need.
3. Genetic Testing
In some cases, especially if blood test results are still inconclusive or if someone has a very rare blood type, genetic testing may be performed. This test analyzes DNA to identify the genes that determine blood type. This method is more specific and accurate than a regular blood test and is often used in research or complex medical conditions.
Conclusion
Blood type plays an important role in the medical world, especially in blood transfusions. Some blood types are very rare, such as Bombay, Rh null, and Lutheran null, which makes their availability very limited. Therefore, knowing your own blood type and realizing the importance of blood donation can help many people, especially those who need a transfusion with a specific match.
If you don't know your blood type yet, you should get tested immediately to get more accurate information so you can be better prepared for emergency situations or urgent medical needs.
Article written by dr. Imee S. Surbakti, M.Ked (Clin.Path), Sp.PK (Clinical Pathology Specialist Doctor, EMC Hospital, Tangerang).