Guide To Understanding The Different Blood Types

Golden Blood (Rhnull)

The Rhesus factor is what allows blood to be categorized as either positive or negative. However, it is worth noting that the Rhesus factor is referring to a specific antigen, and the Rhesus system has sixty-one antigens. As mentioned, having the Rhesus factor, the specific antigen, means that an individual's blood type (O, A, B, or AB) is positive. Not having this antigen means that their blood type is negative. Both of these are fairly common, especially when golden blood is considered.

Golden blood is the term given to Rhnull blood. Rhnull blood means that an individual's blood does not contain any of the sixty-one antigens in the Rhesus system. This blood type is extremely rare. Doctors used to believe that babies with this blood type would not make it out of their mother's womb. In fact, evidence indicates that only forty-three individuals worldwide have been reported to have this blood type. There are only nine active donors with Rhnull blood.

Get more information on blood types and why blood type is vital next.