When your blood type is 1 in 1,000

When Mohd Fazrey Erwan Rasidi was told late last year that his blood type was rare, his first reaction was surprise.

The 35-year-old had already donated blood eight times since 2010, but until then had no idea that the antigen combination in his red blood cells was unusual.

“I was quite surprised when I first found out that my blood is rare. But I feel grateful and happy if my blood can help others,” he said.

Brothers Wan Muhammad Faaiz Jazuli and Wan Muhammad Ashraf Jazuli had a similar discovery. Faaiz found out he had Parabombay A blood after conflicting test results first suggested group A and then group O.

“In a family of five, only my brother and I have different blood types, while my other family members are ‘normal’,” he said.

For people such as Fazrey, Faaiz and Ashraf, having rare blood does not mean anything is wrong with their health. What makes their blood unusual is the combination of antigens on the surface of their red blood cells.

Why matching matters

Transfusion medicine specialist Dr Sarah Mat Noh said a blood type may be considered rare when it occurs in roughly one person out of 1,000 in a particular population.

Because these characteristics are inherited, a blood type that is rare in one population may be more common in another.

The challenge arises when someone with a rare blood profile needs a transfusion. Compatible donors may be difficult to find, which makes accurate identification and donor registries especially important.

Most people are familiar with ABO and Rhesus blood groups, but Sarah said there are around 43 recognised blood group systems worldwide.

For some rare types, donated red blood cells can be frozen at the National Blood Centre and stored for up to 10 years, allowing them to be used when a suitable patient needs them.

In Fazrey’s case, his O positive blood also carries an uncommon R1R1, KK phenotype – a combination of antigen characteristics not often seen in the wider population.

Waiting for the call

Rare donors are not necessarily called in frequently, because demand depends entirely on whether a patient with a matching profile needs blood.

Fazrey has yet to be specifically contacted for such a case, but knowing that his blood may one day be difficult to replace has changed how he thinks about donating.

“Don’t stop donating as long as your health permits,” he said. “Our blood may be rare, but for certain patients, it is very valuable and may save lives.”

In Perak, four Bombay blood group patients and five Parabombay patients have been identified so far, while four Parabombay donors are currently registered.

For donors like Faaiz and Ashraf, that rarity means their blood may sit unused for long periods – until, suddenly, it becomes exactly what someone needs.

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