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6h ago

Scientists Identify 48th Blood Group System in Guadeloupe Woman

The designation follows breakthroughs in DNA sequencing that revealed a unique genetic mutation, spurring efforts to find more carriers to enhance patient care.

Serum tubes with blood samples from patients are processed in the central medical laboratory of the St. Georg Clinic in Leipzig.
A French woman from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe has been identified as the only known carrier of a new blood type
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Overview

  • A Guadeloupe-born French woman has been confirmed as the sole known carrier of the newly identified ‘Gwada negative’ blood type.
  • Researchers first encountered an unusual antibody in her 2011 pre-surgery blood tests but lacked the tools to investigate further until 2019.
  • High-throughput DNA sequencing uncovered a mutation inherited from both parents that defines the 48th officially recognized blood group system.
  • The International Society of Blood Transfusion approved ‘Gwada negative’ in early June during its meeting in Milan.
  • Investigators are now combing global blood banks to locate additional carriers and improve transfusion support for patients with rare blood types.