The rarest and most different types of blood in the world go beyond the standard ABO and Rh classifications. Here are the rarest and most unique:
1. Rh-null (Golden Blood)
Rarity: Fewer than 50 people worldwide.
Why it’s rare: It lacks all 61 antigens in the Rh system.
Significance: Can be given to anyone with rare Rh types, but Rh-null individuals can only receive from other Rh-null donors.
2. Bombay Blood Group (hh phenotype)
Rarity: Found in about 1 in 10,000 people in India, much rarer elsewhere.
Why it’s rare: Lacks the H antigen (the base for A, B, AB, or O types), so it cannot receive blood from any ABO group.
Significance: Can only receive blood from another Bombay group individual.
3. Diego Blood Group
Rarity: Extremely rare globally; more common in East Asians and Indigenous Americans.
Why it’s rare: Involves antigens found in specific populations.
Significance: Important for transfusion in certain ethnic groups.
4. Kell Null (K0)
Rarity: Very rare; only a few dozen known cases.
Why it’s rare: Lacks all Kell antigens.
Significance: Important in avoiding Kell-related transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease in newborns.
5. Lutheran Null (Lu(a-b-))
Rarity: Extremely rare.
Why it’s rare: Lacks both common Lutheran antigens.
Significance: Can complicate blood transfusions and require specific donor matching.
