"Golden Blood" is an extraordinary, seldom found blood type, referred to as Rh null blood type. Its rarity comes from the absence of certain proteins found in typical blood types, making it exceedingly hard to come by.
In the intricate world of human biology, a rare and captivating phenomenon stands out - Rh null blood, also known as 'Golden Blood.' This unique blood type, found in fewer than 50 documented cases worldwide, is the rarest known blood type on the planet [2][3][4].
Rh null blood lacks all 49 known Rh antigens that are typically present on red blood cells, making it a universal donor within the Rh system. This means it can be transfused to individuals with rare Rh backgrounds without causing an adverse reaction [1][3]. The absence of these antigens is primarily due to mutations in the RHAG, RHD, or RHCE genes, which disrupt the production of Rh antigens [1][5].
The rarity of Rh null blood poses significant challenges for transfusions. Individuals with this blood type can receive blood only from another Rh null donor, a logistical issue given the global scarcity of such donors [1]. This rarity makes every donation from an Rh null individual crucial, as recipients can only receive blood from another Rh null donor [1].
Blood types are determined using the ABO and Rh (Rhesus factor) blood group systems. More than 50 different Rh antigens exist in the Rh system. If a person has neither A nor B antigens, their blood type is O. If a person has both A and B antigens, their blood type is AB. If a person has the A antigen, their blood type is A, and if a person has the B antigen, their blood type is B [6].
The name 'Golden Blood' is a popular term to convey its extreme rarity. However, it is not blood that is yellow or gold in colour. Instead, the term symbolises the incredible rarity and unique nature of this blood type [7].
Understanding Rh null blood reveals the complexity and fascination of human blood and bodies. For people who live with Rh null blood, the best options would be to donate and freeze their blood to use in case of planned surgeries. It is crucial to ensure that they receive blood only from another Rh null donor to avoid potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions [8].
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532869/ [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006349507000153 [3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-40928-9 [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006349507000153 [5] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-40928-9 [6] https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/blood-transfusions/what-are-the-different-blood-groups/ [7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006349507000153 [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532869/
The rarity of Rh null blood, often referred to as 'Golden Blood,' poses challenges for health and medical-conditions related to transfusions, especially given its scarcity in the global population. The absence of Rh antigens in this unique blood type is primarily due to mutations in the RHAG, RHD, or RHCE genes, making it stand out in the science of blood typing and health-and-wellness.
