Scientists have officially identified the 48th known blood group system and it’s one of the rarest ever seen.
Named “Gwada negative”, it’s been found in only one person globally, a woman from Guadeloupe, France.
Here’s what makes it medically extraordinary:
- Discovered during routine pre-surgery testing 15 years ago
- Confirmed only recently due to advances in DNA sequencing
- She carries a rare genetic mutation inherited from both parents
- She is the only person known to be compatible with her own blood
Now, scientists are on a mission to find others who may carry this unique blood marker, a step toward safer transfusions and surgeries for patients with rare blood needs worldwide.