First Time in Thailand! Special Blood Group Rh+(Asian-type DEL) Discovered: Thai Red Cross Urges Rh- Individuals to Donate Blood for Rh+ Screening

The Thai Red Cross Society is encouraging Rh- blood type individuals to donate blood for Rh+ (Asian-type DEL) screening, a rare blood type that can only be donated to specific groups.

The National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, released a video introducing the special blood group Rh+ (Asian-type DEL), a unique discovery. According to Dr. Kamin Wongkitpattana, Acting Head of the Medical Department at the National Blood Centre, this rare blood type has only recently been identified through new screening techniques.

Dr. Kamin explained that Rh+ and Rh- are antigens present on red blood cells, with antigen D being the determining factor. Rh+ (Asian-type DEL) is a unique variant that can now be detected with advanced testing. This discovery was made when a 17-year-old male patient, who had been receiving Rh- blood, unexpectedly developed Anti-D antibodies after receiving 20 units of blood, five of which were Rh+DEL. This indicates the potential risk for Rh- patients developing antibodies if they receive Rh+DEL blood.

Dr. Kamin further noted that individuals with Rh+DEL blood can donate to Rh+ recipients due to the presence of antigen D, but Rh+DEL patients can also receive Rh+ blood.

Currently, the National Blood Centre offers free Rh+DEL screening for both new and regular Rh- donors. If Rh+DEL is detected, donors will receive a special card indicating their unique blood type. If not detected, their regular donor card remains valid.

For more information or to donate, visit any of the 7 fixed blood donation stations or the 12 mobile blood donation units across the country, or contact the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society.

Source: ThaiHealth