What makes blood rare?
Although the ABO and Rh groups are the most important for blood transfusions, there are 36 other known blood groups.
Each blood group has a combination of sugars and proteins called antigens that are found on the outside of red blood cells.
There are more than 600 antigens so there’s potential for a lot of variation between different people.
If your blood has rare antigens or lacks common antigens you could have a rare subtype.
Why are rare blood subtypes important?
Most blood transfusions are based on the ABO and Rh groups.
But if someone needs ongoing transfusions, blood works best when it closely matches their own.
If you have a rare subtype, your blood could be vital for a patient who also shares that subtype.
If you give blood, you'll find out if you have a rare subtype afteryour first donation.
