Representation Saves Lives: Rare Blood Types in Black Donors
Tess Aalto
Tess Aalto
There is currently an increased demand for rare blood subtypes that are more common in people of Black heritage: since March 2020, the number of black donors has dropped by more than half. However, there are not enough Black donors to meet this challenge.
Blood types classify blood based on the presence or absence of certain antibodies in the blood plasma and antigens in red blood cells. Blood subtypes are more specific, though, and are often rare. While most blood transfusions are based on well- known ABO and Rh groups, there are 36 other blood subtypes that are relevant for treatment. Knowing a blood subtype is essential for individuals who receive regular transfusions because they require blood that is compatible with their type and subtype. Providing specific transfusions results in fewer complications and chances of rejection in the patient.
For example, the Ro subtype is a variation of the Rh-positive blood type so it can be present in donors with O+, A+, B+ and AB+ blood. This rare subtype is ten times more common in Black individuals than white individuals. Blood types and subtypes are inherited from one’s parents, so a person is expected to share blood types and subtypes with someone from the same racial heritage. Since the Ro subtype is so rare, ongoing transfusions are vital in the management of sickle cell disease with patients who possess the Ro subtype. This disorder of blood hemoglobin primarily affects Black individuals, yet this group is underrepresented in donations that can help manage the disease.
Additionally, the most sought-after blood types (O and B) are present in 70% of African- Americans, further proving why Black donors are essential. In addition to management of sickle cell disease, donations are used for victims of car accidents, organ transplants, women in labor, cancer patients, and more. One pint of blood can save three lives.
The lack of donors ultimately reflects how the American medical system has failed the Black community. Harmful, nonconsensual experiments have historically been performed on Black individuals. Notorious cases include the Tuskegee syphilis study, which promised Black men treatment for syphilis but left the disease untreated to observe how it progressed. Other examples include exploratory surgeries performed on enslaved Black women without their consent. This ugly and ethically bereft history of using Black bodies as medical test subjects has fueled a deep, enduring mistrust of the medical establishment that persists amongst some people today. To improve the experience of minorities in our medical system, we must provide transparency and ensure ethical treatment. If you possess a rare blood subtype, your donations are essential for patients with the same subtype.
The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to give blood as we come together to help patients in need. Regardless of whether you have had COVID-19, your blood is still needed. To schedule an appointment to donate, individuals may use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Click here to learn more about COVID-19 blood donation safety protocols.
Sources
https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/demand-for-different-blood-types/why-more-black-blood-donors-are-needed/
https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/demand-for-different-blood-types/ro-blood/
https://www.oneblood.org/about-donating/target-your-type/power-of-heritage.stml
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2020/red-cross-has-urgent-need-for-more-black-blood-donors-to-help-sickle-cell-patients.html
https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm
https://www.history.com/news/the-father-of-modern-gynecology-performed-shocking-experiments-on-slaves
Blood types classify blood based on the presence or absence of certain antibodies in the blood plasma and antigens in red blood cells. Blood subtypes are more specific, though, and are often rare. While most blood transfusions are based on well- known ABO and Rh groups, there are 36 other blood subtypes that are relevant for treatment. Knowing a blood subtype is essential for individuals who receive regular transfusions because they require blood that is compatible with their type and subtype. Providing specific transfusions results in fewer complications and chances of rejection in the patient.
For example, the Ro subtype is a variation of the Rh-positive blood type so it can be present in donors with O+, A+, B+ and AB+ blood. This rare subtype is ten times more common in Black individuals than white individuals. Blood types and subtypes are inherited from one’s parents, so a person is expected to share blood types and subtypes with someone from the same racial heritage. Since the Ro subtype is so rare, ongoing transfusions are vital in the management of sickle cell disease with patients who possess the Ro subtype. This disorder of blood hemoglobin primarily affects Black individuals, yet this group is underrepresented in donations that can help manage the disease.
Additionally, the most sought-after blood types (O and B) are present in 70% of African- Americans, further proving why Black donors are essential. In addition to management of sickle cell disease, donations are used for victims of car accidents, organ transplants, women in labor, cancer patients, and more. One pint of blood can save three lives.
The lack of donors ultimately reflects how the American medical system has failed the Black community. Harmful, nonconsensual experiments have historically been performed on Black individuals. Notorious cases include the Tuskegee syphilis study, which promised Black men treatment for syphilis but left the disease untreated to observe how it progressed. Other examples include exploratory surgeries performed on enslaved Black women without their consent. This ugly and ethically bereft history of using Black bodies as medical test subjects has fueled a deep, enduring mistrust of the medical establishment that persists amongst some people today. To improve the experience of minorities in our medical system, we must provide transparency and ensure ethical treatment. If you possess a rare blood subtype, your donations are essential for patients with the same subtype.
The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to give blood as we come together to help patients in need. Regardless of whether you have had COVID-19, your blood is still needed. To schedule an appointment to donate, individuals may use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Click here to learn more about COVID-19 blood donation safety protocols.
Sources
https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/demand-for-different-blood-types/why-more-black-blood-donors-are-needed/
https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/demand-for-different-blood-types/ro-blood/
https://www.oneblood.org/about-donating/target-your-type/power-of-heritage.stml
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2020/red-cross-has-urgent-need-for-more-black-blood-donors-to-help-sickle-cell-patients.html
https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm
https://www.history.com/news/the-father-of-modern-gynecology-performed-shocking-experiments-on-slaves