Even when there are multiple blood groups, the basic function of blood remains the same across all individuals. Talking about the different blood groups, what we usually come across is blood types like A, B, AB, O and their negative and positive types. However, some blood types are so rare that we hardly ever get to hear about them. But that does not mean they do not exist.
In that context, one relevant example is golden blood group. It is technically called as Rh-null. Due to its rarity, it is often referred to as golden blood. Here are some key insights to understand what is golden blood and how it is different from other blood groups.
How rare is golden blood?
There are less than 50 people in the world with Rh-null blood group. Assuming world population of 8 billion, the ratio of people with golden blood is 0.000000625 percent. With so many zeroes after the decimal, it is easy to see how rare golden blood is. While there are other rare blood groups as well, there is no comparison to the rarity of Rh-null or golden blood group.
In comparison to Rh-null or golden blood, other blood groups are 'relatively' more common. There are several different types of blood groups, broadly classified into O, A, B and AB. The positive or negative classification is done based on the presence or absence of Rh protein. Most abundant blood group across the planet is O+, at around 42% of the population. Next is A+, which is found in around 31% of the population. At number three is B+, which is found in around 15% of the population.
Rare blood groups include AB+, which is found in around 5% of the global population. O- blood group is next with presence in 3% of the population. A- blood group is found in around 2.50% of the population. B- blood group represents 1% of the population. The most rare, other than golden blood, is AB- blood group, which is found in only 0.50% of the population.
Golden blood group compatibility
An individual with Rh-null or golden blood may feel a sense of superiority due to the rarity of this blood type. Some people also believe golden blood group to be associated with things like gods, saints, aliens and various other fallacies.
In practical terms, having Rh-null or golden blood can be problematic. That's because an individual with Rh-null can receive blood only from a Rh-null donor. No other blood group can be used for an individual with golden blood. Rh-null blood group individuals may have to take active measures to avoid injuries that may lead to blood loss. Conducting surgeries on people with golden blood may also be a challenge.
On the other end, Rh-null blood group individuals can donate blood to most other blood groups including rare blood groups. However, that is done only in very rare cases, as replacing Rh-null blood is the biggest challenge. However, some Rh-null individuals do donate and we are thankful for their selfless service.
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