which blood type is the rarest in humans?
The rarest blood type in humans is Rhnull , often called “golden blood.”
Quick Scoop
- Rhnull has no Rh antigens on red blood cells, making it extremely rare and medically precious.
- Worldwide, only around 40–50 people have ever been documented with Rhnull blood.
How it compares to other rare types
Within the usual ABO+Rh system (the eight main types), AB‑negative is the rarest, occurring in less than 1% of people in places like the U.S.
Rhnull, however, sits outside that standard eight‑type grid and is far rarer than any of them.
Why Rhnull is so special
- It can be compatible with many rare Rh‑type patients , which is why it’s nicknamed “universal” for certain transfusions.
- People with Rhnull often face health challenges , such as chronic anemia, and have extremely limited donor pools , sometimes fewer than 10 active donors globally.
Rarest blood types at a glance
| Blood type | Approx. rarity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhnull (“golden blood”) | ~1 in 6 million; <50 known cases worldwide | [6][4][3]No Rh antigens; extremely hard to find donors | [4][2][3]
| AB‑negative | ~0.6% of U.S. population | [1][7][3]Rarest of the eight main ABO+Rh types | [1][3]
| B‑negative | ~1–2% in many populations | [5][7][1]Uncommon, especially in some ethnic groups | [5][1]
| O‑negative | ~6–7% in many countries | [9][5]Universal donor for ABO system, but not the rarest type | [3][5]
