Medical experts categorize blood type based on the existence or lack of antigens which are proteins found on the surface of red blood cells.
In this article, we will get to know the rarest blood type in the world. We'll also discuss different blood groups, their potential compatibility, and their interactions.
What is the Rarest Blood Type in the World?
Blood types that are considered "rare" are defined by the American Red Cross as those occurring in fewer than 1 in 1,000 people. Among these, the rarest is Rhnull.
Among all the blood types, Rhnull stands as the rarest. What sets Rhnull apart is that it lacks Rh antigens in red blood cells, unlike other blood types. Among the eight main blood types, AB- is the least common.
Having a blood type that's not common can create challenges, making it hard or even impossible to receive a blood transfusion or an organ transplant.
There can be other health problems too. For instance, pregnant women with uncommon blood types might face complications if their blood doesn't match with the developing fetus.
An example is an Iranian woman with Rhnull blood, who faced several pregnancy losses.
Most blood types belong to one of four groups, determined by whether they contain A or B antigens.
For instance, people having A antigens have type A blood. Those with B antigens have type B blood.
People with both A and B antigens have AB blood, while those with no antigens on their red blood cells have type O blood.
Apart from the blood group, a person might also carry Rh factor in their red blood cells. If someone lacks the Rh factor, they have Rh- blood. If they have it, they have Rh+ blood. So, if a person has AB blood and Rh factor, they have AB+ blood.
Certain individuals, including those with Rhnull blood, are missing one or more common antigens. Beyond that, there are over 30 other recognized blood groups and more than 600 antigens.
What Are Other Blood Types?
Blood types are a way doctors use to check if your blood works well with someone else's. Here are the four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O. and 8 common types.
- A positive (A+).
- A negative (A-).
- B positive (B+).
- B negative (B-).
- AB positive (AB+).
- AB negative (AB-).
- O positive (O+).
- O negative (O-).
Learning about blood types helps doctors give blood from one person to another safely. This is important in blood transfusions. And it's also crucial for organ transplants.
How To Determined Blood Types?
Experts at blood banks figure out your blood type by checking if certain antigens are on your red blood cells.
What is Antigen?
An antigen is like a little tag that your immune system notices. It's like a name badge that says if something should be in your body or not.
If your immune system sees the antigens in the given blood as familiar, your blood type matches with it.
How is Blood Type Inherited?
Just like how you get your eye color from your biological parents, your blood type is also passed down from them.
Your parents give you both the ABO genes and the Rh factors. Because there are lots of ways these can mix, your blood type might not be the same as your parents.
Which Blood Types Are Compatible?
Only people with blood that matches in terms of antigens can give blood to each other.
Individuals with Rh- blood can give blood to both Rh- and Rh+ recipients. But those with Rh+ blood cannot give to Rh- recipients.
If a person gets blood from someone with a different blood type, it can lead to a dangerous immune system reaction that threatens their life. The blood transfusion will probably not work.
People with type O blood can donate to anyone, as long as their Rh factor is a match.
For instance, individuals with O+ blood can donate to those with A+, AB+, B+, or O+ blood. But they can't donate to those with O-, B-, AB-, or A- blood.
People with type AB blood can receive blood from all other blood groups, making them "universal recipients," as long as their Rh factor matches.
Individuals with group AB, A, or B blood can only donate to people with the same blood group.
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Universal Donor
The blood type O negative (O-) is known as the universal donor.
This means that anyone with a different blood type can receive your blood without worries.
It doesn't have any markers that other blood types see as foreign. In urgent situations where a quick blood supply is needed, medical professionals often rely on type O-negative blood.
When it comes to donating plasma, healthcare providers consider different markers to check if blood types match.
Plasma is the liquid part of blood. The universal plasma donor is blood type AB.
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Universal Recipient
On the flip side, blood type AB positive (AB+) is considered the universal recipient.
You can safely receive blood from any other blood type. Your blood is welcoming to all sorts of antigens, so your immune system won't launch an attack.
If you're curious about your blood type, there are a few ways to find out. You could ask your doctor – they might have it in your medical records.
Another option is to volunteer to give blood if you're able to. This can help you and others, as blood banks often check and record your blood type when you donate.
If you prefer, you can even get at-home blood test kits to figure out your blood type.
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