The distribution of ABO RhD blood groups in Australia, based on blood donor and blood sample pathology data

Objective To determine the distribution of ABO RhD blood groups in Australia in 2019. Design Retrospective analysis of blood group data for blood donors (Australian Red Cross Lifeblood National Blood Management System) and for people whose blood type was determined in samples submitted for analysis by hospital-based or private pathology agencies. Setting All Australian states and territories, 1 January - 31 December 2019. Main outcome measures Proportions of donors and patients, by ABO blood group and RhD status. These proportions were compared with published data for 1993-94 first-time blood donors. Results A total of 1 318 751 valid ABO RhD blood group results were provided by 28 of 41 invited pathology agencies (including 245 of 324 approved health providers, 76%). Valid ABO RhD data were available for 490 491 blood donors, including 103 798 first-time donors (21.2%). Blood group prevalence based on samples typed by pathology services was O RhD+, 38.4%; O RhD-, 6.5%; A RhD+, 32.0%; A RhD-, 5.6%; B RhD+, 11.8%; B RhD-, 1.5%; AB RhD+, 3.7%; and AB RhD-, 0.5% (totals: RhD+, 85.9%; RhD-, 14.1%). The distribution based on typing of first-time blood donors was similar. The overall proportion of RhD+ first-time donors rose from 81% in 1993-94 to 83.8% in 2019; the proportion of groups B and AB RhD+ RBC units issued declined from 9.8% in 2010-11 to 6.9% of all RBC units in 2019-20, while that of O RhD- RBC units increased from 11.7% to 17.4%. Conclusion Our national assessment of ABO RhD prevalence in Australia provides updated information for re-evaluating blood and blood product collection and holdings in light of changes in population demographic characteristics.

Automated summary

This study presents the distribution of ABO RhD blood groups in Australia, showing an increase in the proportion of RhD+ blood types to 83.8% in 2019. It also highlights a decline in the supply of B and AB RhD+ blood types, and an increase in the supply of O RhD- blood types.