Blood transfusions are a cornerstone of modern medicine, saving lives during surgeries and emergencies. But for people with extremely rare blood types, finding a compatible donor can be a matter of life and death.

One of the rarest blood types is Rh null, sometimes called ‘golden blood'.

According to a report by meterotvonline.com on November 13, 2025, only about 50 people in the world are known to have it. Because of its rarity, people with Rh null blood are often advised to store their own blood for emergencies.

Professor Ash Toye from the University of Bristol said the blood type is also highly valuable for science and medical research.

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Blood types are determined by antigen markers on red blood cells that act like ID tags.

If a patient receives blood with antigens their body doesn't recognise, their immune system may attack it.

The main blood group systems are ABO and Rhesus (Rh). While O-negative is often considered a universal donor type, over 47 blood group systems and 366 known antigens exist, meaning reactions can still occur.

People with Rh null blood have none of the 50 Rh antigens, allowing their blood to safely match with almost any Rh type.

However, they can only receive Rh null blood themselves, which is extremely difficult to find.

"Donated blood will always be essential. But for people with rare blood, being able to grow more of their own blood would be life-changing," the report said.

Researchers are exploring gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR to create lab-grown Rh null or other universal blood types.

Scientists in the UK, US, Canada, and Spain have made progress by editing blood stem cells to remove antigen-producing genes, while the technology is promising, producing red blood cells outside the body remains challenging, as bone marrow provides complex signals needed for proper cell development.

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For now, individuals with rare blood types depend on blood banks and research projects to collect and store their blood for emergencies.

Experts say lab-grown blood could one day provide a reliable solution for patients with rare blood types and improve emergency transfusions worldwide.

MRA/SEA

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