Foreign Property News | Posted by Si Thu Aung
The golden blood type, officially known as Rh-null, is extremely rare, with fewer than 50 people worldwide known to possess it, making it the rarest blood type in the world. It lacks all Rh antigens, which are typically present on red blood cells. While valuable for people with other rare blood types, its scarcity makes it extremely challenging for individuals with Rh-null blood to receive a transfusion themselves.
What is Rh-null blood?
Lacks all Rh antigens: Most blood types have various Rh antigens on their red blood cells, which act as ID tags. Rh-null blood has none of these markers.
Genetic mutation: This condition arises from a rare genetic mutation. Not "better" blood: The term "golden" refers to its extraordinary rarity and high medical value, not to it being a superior or purer type of blood.
Why is it important?
Universal donor for rare blood types: Because it lacks all Rh antigens, Rh-null blood can be donated to individuals with any rare blood type within the Rh system, making it a universal donor for a very specific group of people.
Difficult for recipients: For people with Rh-null blood, receiving a transfusion is incredibly difficult because their donor pool is incredibly small.
Challenges and significance Extreme rarity: The rarity of Rh-null blood makes it a significant challenge for those who need it.
Scientific interest: Its unique nature is of great scientific interest, and researchers continue to study it to understand its properties and find ways to safely store and share it.
Ref: Golden Blood: Only 43 People in the World Have RhNull Blood Type