Rare phenotypes such as Oh phenotype which lack the gene necessary for the production of H Antigen and many other blood groups that is seldom encountered in the laboratory which can be misinterpreted in screening tests. Do this rare occurrences lead to significant errors?
The American Red Cross define a blood type as “rare” when it occurs in fewer than 1 in 1,000 people. Rhnull is the rarest of these. Having a rare blood type can make it difficult or even impossible to get a blood transfusion or organ transplant. It can also cause other health issues. For example, if their blood is incompatible with a developing fetus, pregnant women with rare blood types may experience complications.
What is the rarest blood type? (2019, September 7). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326279
In a study conducted by Shahshahani and Hayati (2020) to determine the discrepancies in a blood center, it was stated that donors with rare blood types presented. These donors with anti-PP1Pk and anti-H alloantibodies presented as part of the Group O blood group system (BGS). According to the authors, when left unchecked, these rare blood types may result in hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR). Other rare blood types such as the Bombay phenotype may also activate the complement pathway which may cause red cell hemolysis. Rare blood groups are often misidentified in the collection of blood for transfusion, and although they are labeled as rare, they are still present within the population and may cause significant problems in blood transfusion. This also explains the importance of the proper investigation and screening of blood donors.
Reference: Shahshahani, H. J., & Hayati, A. (2020). Blood Group Discrepancies at a Regional Blood Center. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7167605/
Yes, rare blood groups can lead to significant errors in blood banking, particularly during blood typing, compatibility testing, and antibody screening. The challenges associated with rare blood groups are primarily due to their unusual antigenic profiles, which may not be readily identifiable with standard blood banking procedures.
The Oh phenotype, also known as the Bombay phenotype, is one of the rarest blood types and exemplifies the potential complications associated with rare blood groups. Individuals with the Oh phenotype lack the H antigen, which is a precursor to the A and B antigens found in the common ABO blood group system. This absence means that they do not react to the standard ABO typing reagents, which can mistakenly suggest they are type O when using routine blood typing methods.
Reference: Brecher ME, Hay SN.2005.Bacterial Contamination of Blood Components. Clin Microbiol Rev 18:.https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.18.1.195-204.2005
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Phytochemistry
- Extracts