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π World’s First Rare Blood Group Found in Bangalore Woman: A Historic Medical Discovery
π Introduction: A Milestone for Modern Medicine
In an extraordinary medical breakthrough, a rare blood group previously unknown to science has been discovered in a woman from Bangalore, India. Known as the CRIB blood group, this historic discovery not only expands our understanding of human genetics but also places India at the forefront of global hematology. This blog explores everything about the CRIB blood group—from what it is, why it matters, and how it could change the future of blood transfusion and rare donor identification.
π€ What is a Blood Group?
A blood group is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens and antibodies in the blood. The most well-known systems are:
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ABO: A, B, AB, and O
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Rh Factor: Positive (+) or Negative (-)
Beyond these, over 43 other blood group systems are recognized internationally, including Cromer, Kidd, and Diego. The newly discovered CRIB group adds a new chapter to this medical landscape.
π§ͺ Discovery of the CRIB Blood Group
πΌ The Case That Made History
A 38-year-old woman from Karnataka’s Kolar district was hospitalized for heart surgery. Despite having O-positive blood, her samples were incompatible with every O+ donor unit available.
π€ The Role of Indian and Global Labs
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Her blood was tested by over 20 labs, including the Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre.
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Samples were sent to the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) in Bristol, UK.
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After 10 months of molecular testing, a new antigen was identified in the Cromer blood group system.
π The CRIB Blood Group
This unique antigen was officially named CRIB: an acronym for Cromer–India–Bangalore. The discovery was revealed at the 35th ISBT Congress in Milan, 2025, marking it as a globally acknowledged milestone.
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π Why the CRIB Blood Group Matters
β Medical Importance
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π It can save lives by identifying patients who might face fatal reactions from standard transfusions.
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π§ Enhances precision medicine, especially in surgeries and transplants.
π Research & Genetic Diversity
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𧬠Highlights genetic diversity in Indian populations.
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π Drives advanced research in immunohematology.
π€ Global Health Preparedness
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π‘οΈ Encourages rare donor registries.
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π¨ Helps hospitals prepare for emergency transfusion challenges.
π¬ How Was It Discovered?
πΉ Step-by-Step Timeline
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β Initial Incompatibility: All O+ donor blood caused cross-reactions.
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β Family Screening: None of her 20 family members matched.
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β Referral & Escalation: Sent to top labs in India and abroad.
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β Advanced Testing: Molecular typing and genomic sequencing.
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β Official Declaration: Recognized and published in global medical circles.
π€ How Rare is the CRIB Blood Group?
π« Globally Unique
Currently, just one individual worldwide has been confirmed to possess the CRIB antigen. This makes it one of the rarest blood groups ever recorded.
π Implications
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π§ͺ Identifying additional CRIB carriers is crucial to avoid transfusion-related complications.
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π Encourages more genomic screening in diverse populations.
π Future Impact & Global Significance
π What’s Next?
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Rare Donor Registry: India is building one, led by Rotary TTK and state health bodies.
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Global Collaboration: More studies in population genomics and transfusion safety.
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Awareness Programs: Educating clinicians and blood banks globally.
πΌ For Patients & Donors
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If you’ve experienced transfusion complications, advanced testing may reveal a rare antigen.
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Blood banks may soon ask donors to undergo extended typing to aid rare group identification.
β¨ Benefits of Rare Blood Group Discovery
πΉ Why This is Good for Science & Society
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π Advances rare disease detection.
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π Strengthens personalized medicine.
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π¨ Improves emergency response systems.
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π Puts India on the global map for immunohematology.
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π Conclusion: A Discovery That Could Save Lives
The discovery of the CRIB blood group is more than a scientific marvel—it's a call to action for improved transfusion safety, more inclusive research, and greater genetic awareness. As India takes a proud step forward in the global medical landscape, this new blood group reminds us how much more there is to learn about the human body and its incredible diversity.

Disclaimer
The views expressed by experts in this article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any website, organization, institution, or affiliated entity. If you have any concerns regarding this article, please contact us at contact@quantamminds.com and also on WhatsApp
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CRIB blood group?
CRIB is a newly identified rare blood group antigen detected in a woman from Bangalore. It belongs to the Cromer blood group system and has never been observed before.
Why is this blood group important?
It helps prevent transfusion complications, promotes research, and supports the development of rare donor registries.
How rare is the CRIB group?
Currently, just one person worldwide is known to possess it, making it exceptionally rare and of great medical importance.
How was the CRIB blood group discovered?
Through incompatibility during cardiac surgery, followed by months of advanced testing at top Indian and international labs.
Can I be tested for CRIB or other rare antigens?
Yes, many hospitals now offer extended antigen typing or molecular blood group tests. Ask your local blood center.