Short Answer
The Bombay Blood Group (hh phenotype) is an extremely rare blood group in which a person lacks the H antigen required to form the A and B blood groups. People with this blood group can receive blood only from another Bombay Blood Group donor.
Detailed Explanation
Discovered in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in 1952, the Bombay Blood Group is different from the usual ABO blood groups. Although laboratory testing may initially identify these individuals as blood group O, they actually lack the H antigen, which is present in almost everyone else.
Because of this, they produce antibodies against the H antigen and cannot safely receive blood from O, A, B, or AB donors. They require blood only from another Bombay Blood Group donor.
Since the blood group is extremely rare, finding compatible blood during emergencies can be challenging. This makes registration of Bombay Blood Group donors extremely valuable.
Key Points
- Also called the hh phenotype.
- First discovered in Mumbai, India.
- Cannot receive blood from regular O donors.
- Can receive blood only from another Bombay Blood Group donor.
- Maintaining a registry of Bombay Blood Group donors helps save lives.
❤️ If you have the Bombay Blood Group, your donation is extraordinarily valuable. You could be the only hope for another person with the same rare blood type.
