Did you know there’s a super rare blood type called “golden blood”? Scientists say only one in 6 million people have it. It’s crucial for those with negative blood types like O-negative, AB-negative, or B-negative because it’s hard to find matching blood in emergencies.
The American Red Cross says rare blood types are found in about one in 1,000 people. O-negative is rare, but golden blood is even rarer, with only one person in every 6 million having it. It’s also known as Rh-null blood, though not many know about it. Golden blood was first discovered in 1961 in an Australian woman. In medicine, blood types are determined by the presence of the RH factor and whether it’s AB or O.
There are 61 RH antigens in humans, and they’re mostly determined by genetics, passed down through generations. But not everyone has them. Blood is divided into four main types: A, B, AB, and O, each with a positive or negative group. This makes eight different blood groups in total. Rh-null is the newest and most precious, allowing those who have it to donate blood to anyone in the world.
Only 43 people have been found with this rare blood type in the past 58 years, and only 9 donate regularly. Although they can give blood, they can’t receive it from just anyone, as it could cause blood poisoning. So they have to be extra careful.
Despite its extraordinary properties, the prevalence of golden blood remains exceedingly rare, with only 43 individuals identified as carriers over the past 58 years. Among these individuals, only a fraction regularly donate blood, a decision not without its complexities. While they possess the ability to donate blood universally, recipients must exercise caution, as the introduction of incompatible blood types can lead to adverse reactions and complications.
Amidst these conventional classifications lies the extraordinary RH Null blood type, often referred to as “golden blood.” Possessors of this blood type hold a remarkable ability—they can donate blood to individuals of any other blood type worldwide. This unique characteristic renders their blood invaluable in certain medical treatments and emergency situations, earning it the esteemed title of “golden blood.”
