Frequency and Distribution of ABO and Rhesus (D) Blood group Antigens among Blood Donors at a District Hospital Blood Bank in North Goa

Background: Many blood grouping systems and blood group antigens have been described in the available literature. ABO and Rh grouping systems are the most prevalent amongst these. The prevalence of these varies between different regions and races. The present study was conducted at a District hospital blood centre, to study the frequency and; age and sex distribution of ABO and Rh groups in the study population, in the North District of Goa, to help in managing the blood bank inventory and serve patients better. Methods: The study population included 5438 blood donors (voluntary and replacement). Blood groups were determined by conventional test tube agglutination methods – forward and reverse grouping, using standard antisera. Data obtained from the blood centre records was reported as numbers and percentages, and findings were compared with the available literature. Results: Blood group O was the most prevalent in our study population, followed by A, B and AB. Rh positivity was seen in 93.6% blood donors. Rest all donors were Rh negative. Majority donors belonged to the age group 31-40 years, followed by 21-30 years, with majority (88%) being males. 97% donors were voluntary and 3% were replacement donors. Conclusion: O Positive was the commonest blood group in our study population and AB negative was the least common. Keywords: blood donors, voluntary, replacement, blood groups, ABO group, Rh group, distribution, age, gender.