Pattern of Blood Group among Blood Donors in Rural Area of Konkan Region

Abstract

Background: Nearly 700 erythrocyte antigens are described and organized into 30 blood group systems by the International Society of Blood Transfusion of which ABO and Rh are important. All human populations share the same blood group systems; although they differ in the frequencies of specific types. The prevalence of ABO & Rh groups varies markedly in different races, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups in different part of the world. The knowledge of distribution of ABO& Rh blood groups at local and regional levels is helpful in effective management of blood banks & safe blood transfusion services. The study was done to assess then prevalence of ABO & Rh blood group among the blood donors in the blood bank centre in Rural Medical College in Konkan region.
Material & Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the blood bank of a Rural Medical College, in Konkan region of Maharashtra. Secondary data was collected for the period of two years (from June 2021 to June 2023).
Results: The present study concludes that ‘A’ blood group is the commonest blood group amongst the blood donors followed by ‘B’, ‘O’ and ‘AB’ blood group respectively. Rh positive and negative donors were 91.16% % and 8.84 % respectively in the Rhesus blood
group system.
Conclusion: For blood transfusion activities, population genetic study and parental testing, ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group system are paramount. Blood groups are hereditary characters and are useful in compatibility test in blood transfusion and organ transplant
practices. Inventory management and disease trends in relation to blood groups can be supported by knowledge about distribution of blood.