What is Golden Blood?

The golden blood type or Rh null blood group contains no Rh antigens (proteins) on the red blood cells (RBC). This is the rarest blood group in the world, with less than 50 individuals having this blood group. It was first seen in Aboriginal Australians.

The worry with the golden blood group is that the donations of Rh null are incredibly scarce and difficult to obtain. An Rh null person has to rely on the cooperation of a small network of regular Rh null donors around the world if they need the blood. Across the globe, there are only nine active donors for this blood group. This makes it the world’s most precious blood type, hence the name "golden" blood.

Our red blood cells have proteins called antigens on their surface. Depending on the antigen present, we have A, B, O, or AB blood type. The  total system has a further distinction as Rh-positive or Rh-negative, depending on the presence or absence of the "Rh-D" factor on the cells.

With the golden blood group, a person lacks all the Rh antigens whereas a person with Rh-negative, blood group lacks only total antigen.

The golden blood group seems to be a result of genetic mutation (spontaneous change in a gene). It is commonly seen with mutations in the R gene, which codes the Rh-associated glycoprotein. This protein is required for directing the Rh antigens to the RBC membrane.

R mutation is often associated with a disease called hereditary stomach. These individuals can have long-term, mild, hemolytic anemia and increased RBC breakdown. The Rh-null phenotype can also be seen in the case of certain anemia a person may be born with.

The following conditions may put you at a higher risk of golden blood group:

Consanguineous marriage (marriage between cousins, brother-sister, or anybody who is a near or distant relative)

• Autosomal genes (abnormal genes, which have disease traits, passed down through families)
• Changes or complete deletion of certain genes, which are RHD and RHC E or R HA G.

A, B, AB, and O are the four main blood groups. Each blood group can be positive or negative, resulting in a total of eight blood groups:

1.  This blood type is very common, and a person with it can donate blood to people who have blood types A or AB.  
2.  People with blood type A negative can donate blood to those with blood types A or AB. They can only receive blood from people with A negative or O negative blood types.
3.  This blood type is suitable for both B+ and AB+ groups.
4.  B negative blood type is one of the rarest. Anyone with this blood type can donate blood to people with the B or AB blood types.
5.  Because AB-positive blood contains both A and B antigens in red blood cells,
6. there are no antigens in the plasma. Patients with this blood type are eligible for any type of plasma or blood transfusion.
7.  People with this rare blood group can receive red blood cells from all other negative blood groups.
8.  One of the most common blood groups, is not universally compatible with all blood groups. They can, however, be given to people who have all positive groups (A+, B+, O+, AB+).
9.  This is the universal blood group. A person with O negative blood can donate blood to anyone of any blood group. In an emergency, it is the most used blood type. People with the O negative blood group, however, can only receive O negative blood.