What is the new B(A) blood type?

B(A) is a newly identified blood type characterized by mostly B antigens and trace A antigens, found in only three known individuals.

Where was the new B(A) blood type discovered?

The B(A) blood type was discovered by researchers at a hospital in Thailand.

How rare is the B(A) blood type compared to O negative?

The B(A) blood type is significantly rarer than O negative, which is found in about 7% of the global population, as only three individuals are known to have B(A).

Home / Science / New Blood Type Discovered: B(A) is Rarer Than You Think

New Blood Type Discovered: B(A) is Rarer Than You Think

9 Dec

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Summary

A new blood type, B(A), has been identified in three individuals.
This blood type possesses mostly B antigens with trace A antigens.
The discovery was made in a Thai hospital among donors and patients.

New Blood Type Discovered: B(A) is Rarer Than You Think

Researchers have recently identified a novel blood type, designated B(A), in three individuals, making it exceptionally rare. This blood type is characterized by the presence of primarily B antigens, alongside minute traces of A antigens. The discovery occurred during studies conducted at a hospital in Thailand, involving both blood donors and patients.

This finding underscores the intricate nature of human blood group systems, extending beyond the well-known ABO and Rh factors. The genetic makeup of B(A) involves unique alleles on chromosome nine, differing from previously identified blood types. Such variations have been observed in various ethnicities, but this marks the first such identification within the Thai population.

The existence of B(A) adds to the 48 known blood types in humans and suggests that further research may reveal even more rare blood types and individuals possessing them. This ongoing exploration emphasizes that blood typing is a complex field with much yet to be understood.