Rare blood donors are negative for a high prevalence antigen with a the frequency less than 1 in 1000 or can be negative for multiple more common antigens that are rarely found together. Examples of rare blood types include Rhnull, Bombay (Oh) and Jr(a-). Some blood groups are distributed differently in ethnic groups, finding a blood donor with the exact same blood type might be a huge challenge from the local population. Therefore, it is important to have international co-operation and accurate database on rare donors.
The ISBT International Rare Donor Panel – is managed by the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory - NHS Blood and Transplant and maintains rare blood lists provided by the ISBT WP rare donor members in order to ensure that patients who require lifesaving rare blood units can receive them.
What we do
- We work closely together with the ISBT International Rare Donor Panel
- We created a Flow Chart to Request Rare Blood from International Rare Donor Panel (IRDP)
- We prepared an International Rare Donor Card and Antibody Identification Card for Patients
- We gather information about outcomes of rare blood shipments
- We collect information about antigen positive transfusion rare blood was not available
- We prepare case studies to serve as learning tools about rare blood groups
- We offer practical and scientific advice to ISBT members who may wish to start rare donor program
Current Leadership
