Most Rare Blood Type

We know that A, B, AB and O are the four blood groups which can be positive or negative depending on certain factors. Some blood groups are common, while some are rare. The blood types explained here will help you in better understanding of the subject.

What are Blood Types?

Blood groups or types and the Rhesus (Rh) were discovered in 1901 by an Austrian scientist known as Karl Landsteiner. According to Dr. Landsteiner, blood contains proteins known as antigens and depending on the presence of those, blood types are classified as A, B, AB and O. On the other hand, we know that blood group is also referred to as positive or negative. This is known as the Rh (Rhesus) factor which is also one of the most important factor for determining the exact blood group of the person. Presence of the Rhesus factor D in the blood determines whether the blood group of the person is positive or negative. Therefore, in case antigen B and Rhesus factor D are found in a person's blood, he has the blood type B+. Whereas, in absence of Rhesus factor D, it is B-.

Blood type O- is considered as the universal donor as it can be transfused into people of any blood group. On the other hand, AB+ is considered as the universal recipient as people with this blood type can accept blood from any other type. Among the different blood groups, O+ is considered as the most common one.

Which is the Rarest Blood Type?

If you are looking for the most uncommon blood type in the world, then it is AB- (AB negative). It is found in less than 1% of the world's population. To be precise, people having this blood group comprise 0.8% of the world population, i.e., 1 in 175-200 people. AB- is also the rarest blood type in the US. Second in the list is B- (B negative). It is found in 1.5% of the total world population, i.e., one in 70-100 people. Thirdly, the AB+ is also a rare blood group comprising only 3.5% of the total world population. Therefore, the three rare blood types are AB-, B- and AB+.

On the other hand, the Bombay blood group is also one of the rare blood groups in the world. All over the world, it is rare as it is found in 1 among 250,000 people whereas in India, it is not so uncommon, found in 1 among 7000-8000 people. As it was first identified in Bombay, it is known as Bombay blood group. Along with the AB-, the Bombay blood group can be considered as the rarest blood type. Today, there are several blood banks and organizations where it is possible to find a donor for rare blood groups which has helped people to a great extent.

Discovery and identification of blood types has been one of the most significant discoveries of this centuries as it has helped in prevention and treatment of various life-threatening conditions.