Rhnull, the Golden Blood: Rarest Blood Type in the World

As you all know, according to ABO system, human blood is categorized in four groups, namely A, B, AB and O. All these blood groups come in two versions: positive or negative. Blood group is a genetically determined characteristic. Therefore certain blood groups are more commonly present in the population of an area. For example, 34.5% of Indian population share the O blood type — making it the most common blood type in India. Similarly O+ is the most common blood type in the USA. But what about rare blood types? Have you ever wondered which is the rarest blood group in the whole world? Today we will find this out!

Rhnull: The Rarest Blood Group in the World

Although there are more than 200 rare blood types found in humans, the Rhnull blood group is considered to be the rarest blood type in the entire world. But exactly how rare is the Rhnull blood? Well, only about 40 people have been recorded to have Rhnull blood type and not more than 10 Rhnull blood donors are currently available.

Scientist call Rhnull blood as Golden Blood because of its rarity. However for someone in need of this blood type would see no golden shine in it because it is extremely rare.

In case of Rhnull blood, none of the Rhesus antigens is present in the blood.

Rhnull blood was first discovered in 1961 in an Aboriginal Australian woman. This blood type is called rarest because since 1961, less than 50 individuals have been found to have Rhnull blood. Among billions of humans — less than just 50 have Rhnull blood type — that indeed makes it the rarest!

People with Rhnull blood are advised to keep donating for themselves. This is important because in case they need blood — it would very difficult to find a donor. In all probability, donor would be located in a different country. Transporting blood from one country to another is a bureaucratic nightmare. And if the donor herself travels, it puts the burden of cost on the donor — because most of the national blood services do not reimburse travel cost. Involvement of significant transport cost makes it even more difficult to get hold of rare blood.

Price of Rhnull Blood

Only a handful people in the world have Rhnull blood type. Most of these people donate blood for research purpose. Because Rhnull is so rare, it is virtually priceless! There is no price tag on such blood. It would be extremely difficult to find the name and contact of person with Rhnull blood type. You would need to contact your hospital and see what they say.

Golden Blood is Precious!

If by chance you have Rhnull blood type, you would be much sought after by researchers around the world. Hematologists study Rhnull blood because it may turn out to be the true universal blood donor type. Although blood is anonymously stored in blood banks, researchers often try to locate the donors with rare blood types — so that they can request them to donate for research as well. Rarer the blood type — more demand you would be in.

If you have a rare blood type, it is important that you donate not only for yourself but also for the sake of others. Rare blood, well, being rare, is very difficult to replace and life of those in need may get endangered.