What is rh null blood?why is it called golden blood?
Blood is considered Rh-null if it lacks all of the 61 possible antigens in the Rh system. This not only makes it rare, but this also means it can be accepted by anyone with a rare blood type within the Rh system. This is why it is considered "golden blood." It is worth its weight in gold.
What is rh null blood?why is it called golden blood?
Rh null blood, also known as Rhnull blood, is an extremely rare blood type characterized by the absence of all Rh antigens on the surface of red blood cells. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the RHAG gene, which is responsible for the production of Rh antigens.
Characteristics of Rh Null Blood:
- Rh null blood is considered the rarest blood type in the world, with only around 40 known cases worldwide.
- Individuals with Rh null blood have a unique blood phenotype, meaning their red blood cells lack not only the RhD antigen (Rh positive or Rh negative), but also all other Rh antigens, including C, c, E, and e.
- The absence of these antigens makes Rh null blood type incompatible with the majority of other blood types, requiring careful matching for blood transfusions.
Classification of Rh Null Blood:
- Rh null blood is classified into two major types: Rhnull amorph and Rhnull regulator.
- Rhnull amorph is a complete absence of Rh antigens, while Rhnull regulator is characterized by the presence of partially formed Rh antigens that are non-functional.
- Both types result in the same clinical consequences, including the inability to produce anti-Rh antibodies.
Golden Blood:
- Rh null blood is often referred to as "golden blood" due to its extreme rarity and the unique properties it possesses.
- The term "golden blood" was coined by the late Swiss blood transfusion specialist, Dr. J.M. Lomasney, who described the blood type as "golden" because it could be considered a universal blood donor.
- In emergency situations where Rh null blood is required and there are no suitable matches available, Rh null individuals can donate their blood to any Rh negative recipient without triggering an immune response.
- This remarkable characteristic makes Rh null blood invaluable in medical emergencies when time is of the essence.
Challenges and Importance:
- The rarity of Rh null blood poses significant challenges in healthcare systems worldwide.
- Finding suitable donors for Rh null individuals can be extremely difficult and time-consuming, especially in emergency situations.
- The importance of Rh null blood lies in its potential to save lives, particularly in cases where no other compatible blood types are available.
- Moreover, studying Rh null blood has provided valuable insights into the role of Rh antigens in red blood cell development and their significance in transfusion medicine.
In conclusion, Rh null blood is an extremely rare blood type characterized by the absence of all Rh antigens. It is called "golden blood" due to its unique properties, including the ability to be a universal blood donor. Despite its rarity, Rh null blood plays a crucial role in medical emergencies and has contributed to advancements in transfusion medicine.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.