━━ Golden blood is the rarest blood type.
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Do you think that blood is just a part of the body and cannot bring you anything unique except keeping you alive? You’d be very surprised. Because if you’re a carrier of one particular blood type, you’re really special. And medicine values you very highly.
There are several types of blood types. But one is unique, not only in its origins, but also medically. We’re talking about the Rh-0 blood type, which is exceptional in several ways.
It is said to be the world’s rarest blood group, which is why it is often referred to as “golden blood”. A genetic mutation has apparently led to the creation of this blood group. It is characterised by the absence of proteins known as Rh factors or antigens in its red blood cells. It is otherwise common for most people to have different types of Rh antigens.
Worldwide, you will find fewer than 50 people who have this blood type. It was discovered in 1961 in a woman living in Australia. It is reported that approximately 1 in 6 million people have it. According to statistics, less than 0.1% of people have golden blood in their veins.
━━ People with Rh-0 blood type have a problem with blood transfusions.
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The problem arises, however, when these individuals need a blood transfusion. There are only nine active donors worldwide. Therefore, this is the most valuable blood type.
The problem is that other blood groups have antigens. If these people donated blood to people with golden blood, their immune system could fight against it.
Individuals with classic O-negative blood are universal donors for any group, whereas people with Rh-null, or golden blood, can only be donors for anyone with rare blood types within the Rh system.
These people are thus advised to store their own blood for these cases. Similarly, they should avoid health-threatening activities. The Rh-null group is also prone to anemia.
“For people living with blood without the Rh factor, the best option would be to donate and freeze blood in case of planned surgeries and carefully treat problems like anaemia with measures like iron or folic acid to avoid transfusions as much as possible,” said Dr Zaher Otrock.
Golden Blood is a testament to how unique and ever-surprising the human body is. While individuals with this blood type are exceptional, they also have to face certain risks, such as just donating blood. Nevertheless, this blood is extremely important for medicine.
