New rare blood type discovered in Guadeloupe woman

In 2011, a woman from Guadeloupe, residing in Paris, provided a blood sample before a routine surgery, which led to the discovery of a rare blood type known as Gwada negative. This woman, who at the time was 54 years old, was found to carry an unusual antibody, prompting further investigation. However, limited resources and technology then hindered immediate research. It wasn't until 2019 that advancements in high-throughput DNA sequencing allowed scientists to identify the genetic mutation responsible for this unique blood type. The French Blood Establishment announced their findings publicly in June 2023, confirming that the Gwada negative blood type is the 48th recognized blood group system globally, as acknowledged by the International Society of Blood Transfusion. Thierry Peyrard, a medical biologist involved in this significant discovery, stated that the woman is the only known case worldwide, meaning she possesses a blood type incompatible with any donor except herself. This situation highlights the critical nature of understanding and categorizing rare blood types, particularly for better medical care. The EFS is now focused on identifying other individuals who may have the same blood type, starting with blood donors in Guadeloupe. Such discoveries are vital for improving healthcare services for patients with rare blood requirements.