If your blood type is O, A, B or AB-NEGATIVE... - Ajarn Forum

Stormarm · 17th January 2007, 15:07

No, no urgent need for donors at the moment but ...

I went in with my wife to see our obstetrician yesterday and, when I told the doctor I was AB-negative, he almost went white himself. Not because my wife (who is Thai) is O-positive, but because my blood-type, while rare in Farang-land (about 1%) is almost unheard of in Asia. In fact, almost all East Asians, according to the doctor, have POSITIVE RH factors. The number of people with AB-Negative blood in Thailand is not 1% of the population, but closer to 1% of the Farang population ... who rarely give blood.

Though he didn't come out and say it, he gave me the impression that the Thai Red Cross doesn't bank AB- blood "because no one ever needs it". He told me that there was "a club" in Bangkok for AB-Negative people who bank their blood, and keep a central database of contact info in case of an urgent need. He also said that I could find this club/group on the internet ... which naturally I can't. Does anyone know of such a group and how to get in touch with them?

And if there isn't such a group, maybe we should start one.

FYI: AB-Neg is the rarest of the 8 basic human blood types, but if you're B-, A-, or O-, you've still got a potential problem in Thailand. B- is about 2% of the Farang population here, while A- and O- are 6% each. The good news (for everyone but the O's) is you can also receive 1 or more other blood-types besides your own:

Patients with Type O- can receive Type O- only
Patients with Type A- can receive Type O- and A-
Patients with Type B- can receive Type O- and B-
Patients with Type AB- can receive Type O-, A-, B-, and AB-

russellsimpson · 17th January 2007, 15:14

A good post. I've been thinking about this of late after realizing that my O negative blood might be impossible to come by down here in South Central.

Your number may be high at 6 percent. I think closer to three or less in this part of the world.

Yes, we should all find out more about this as it is potentially lethal.

(I think if you're in a rural area and need blood transfused with the negative O types, it may be a sign that your time is nigh.

Please keep us informed.

bet · 17th January 2007, 15:27

If you have AB- blood that is no problem. AB- is a universal recipient which means you can have AB-, A-, B-, or O-.

If you are O- then that's a bigger issue, as you can only receive O- blood.

tafy68 · 17th January 2007, 16:35

How do u find out what blood type you are?

kingwilly · 17th January 2007, 16:39

^ get a blood test, ask the doctor.

kenkannif · 17th January 2007, 16:42

I don't know if this will help...but at Tsuaya (sp?) video shops you have to put down what blood type you are when you join....got a little box for it and everything.

Cyrille · 17th January 2007, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken

at Tsuaya (sp?) video shops you have to put down what blood type you are when you join....got a little box for it and everything.

This is common in japan, apparently, and tsutaya is a japanese company.

Japanese are often amazed when they meet someone who doesn't know their blood type.

Jellybean · 18th January 2007, 16:27

Well, all of us O neg people should keep each others phone numbers.

There are or were, four people in our family and we all had different blood groups.
O-, O+, AB+ and I think A-. I may have the A ones mixed up, though.

Reg Young · 18th January 2007, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellybean

There are or were, four people in our family and we all had different blood groups. O-, O+, AB+ and I think A-. I may have the A ones mixed up, though.

I assume there's a fifth out there you're not counting.
- Reg

aging one · 18th January 2007, 17:29

That was a top notch post, very informative. I never thought about it until I watched my one and only Thai movie O negative, then I understood a bit. But had no idea of how it works and the implications. Thanks. Sadly I am O positive, so of no good to those in need. Although I did used to donate to the blood banks in SF.

russellsimpson · 18th January 2007, 17:37

Quote:

Well, all of us O neg people should keep each others phone numbers.

We should do that Jellybean. Not sure how to organize it (phone numbers are one option).

I would like to know if the Red Cross/Crescent in Thailand maintains a supply, and where? I am a little concerned about the blood screening here, given a relatively high HIV rate.

I'm going to try to talk to some local medical people to see what the actual situation is.

I guess one option is to get your own blood stored locally. I wonder if that's possible. And how long is it good for?

LeedsLeedsLeeds · 18th January 2007, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

Sadly I am O positive, so of no good to those in need. Although I did used to donate to the blood banks in SF.

Snap! I donate my o+ blood every three months down here.

Umbuku · 18th January 2007, 23:42

The doctor told me during my wifes pregnancy that there are unfavourable mixes of parental blood types between Asians and Occidental groups. Some combinations have a very high risk of birth defects or health problems for the child.
Ours were fine.

http://anthro.palomar.edu/vary/vary_3.htm

http://www.bloodbook.com/world-abo.html

A good table of the distribution of blood types on this site.
Thais
O 37
A 22
B 33
AB 8

re_fuse · 19th January 2007, 08:20

I'm A neg - is anyone ever needs me

So is my baby daughter ..which means she should not meet up with a bloke of the same blood

MisterStretch · 19th January 2007, 08:42

Excellent post and extremely informative.

Folks, it really doesn't matter what your blood type is, you should donate. I have done so three times in the last year (B+). I'm pleased with the professionalism of the Red Cross team. My mother was a blood donor administrator for many years and the process here is very professional. After screening, they send me a letter (in Thai, so I have my lady translate for me) telling me that I'm HIV negative, so I feel good about the screening, as well.