Have you heard of golden blood?

The fear of becoming a blood donor is still very great, however important the act is extremely noble. Each may have its own motive, but reserve blood banks are essential to saving lives in times of emergency.

Blood type is not a deterrent to blood donation, but some are more targeted by banks for their versatility. In Brazil, 87% of the population has blood type A or O, making storage of these types essential.

Playback / Pixabay / geralt

In addition, 9% of Brazilians have negative Type O blood, which is considered universal because it can be transfused into anyone - except those who have “golden blood”.

Unlimited donation

Briefly, blood type is defined by antigens present in the blood, which can be composed of carbohydrates, lipids or proteins and are on the surface of red blood cells. They can be up to 342 different types, but it is the absence of some of them that causes the differentiation.

If a transfusion is performed between people who have incompatible antigens, death is certain. The discovery of the reason for this happened only in the early 20th century, by the Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner. Both the ABO group and the Rh Factor analyze specific antigens to define blood types, but some people do not have elements that are common to 99.9% of the population and are known to carry “golden blood”.

Reproduction / Unsplash / LuAnn Hunt

Known as Rh null or “golden blood, ” these people do not have any antigen analyzed by the Rh Factor, making their blood compatible with any existing one. Although most blood banks remain anonymous about donated bags, scientists often track down the few people who have this anomaly to encourage more frequent donation.

On the other hand, the great losers are the bearers of golden blood. If a transfusion is required, only another person with null Rh can supply the blood. The problem is that in the last 50 years, only 43 people have been identified with this blood type. They live their lives normally, but always with caution so as not to have to undergo involuntary surgical procedures as this can have serious consequences.