Aarti Merai: A 50-Year Blood Group Mystery Has Finally Been Solved!
Aarti Merai, Medical Laboratory Technologist, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“A 50-Year Blood Group Mystery Has Finally Been Solved!
What if a patient’s blood appears compatible with routine testing, but a rare blood group difference puts them at risk during a transfusion?
Scientists have now solved a medical mystery that began in 1972, identifying the genetic basis of the AnWj blood group antigen and establishing the MAL blood group system.
What makes this discovery important?
In 1972, researchers identified an unusual blood group antigen called AnWj.
However, its underlying genetic basis remained unknown for decades.
Now, researchers have identified the MAL gene as the key to understanding this blood group system.
What is AnWj?
AnWj is a blood group antigen associated with the MAL protein on red blood cells.
Most people are AnWj-positive, while a very small number are AnWj-negative.
In some cases, AnWj-negative individuals can develop antibodies against the antigen.
If they receive incompatible blood, these antibodies may cause a potentially dangerous transfusion reaction.
Why does this matter for medical laboratories?
This discovery could help laboratories:
- Identify rare AnWj-negative patients and blood donors more effectively.
- Use genetic testing to investigate unusual blood group results.
- Improve compatibility assessments and transfusion safety for patients with rare blood group profiles.
- Support the investigation of unexplained antibodies in pre-transfusion testing.
The bigger picture
Blood grouping involves far more than the familiar ABO and Rh systems.
Discoveries like this remind us that red blood cell antigens are genetically complex, and understanding them is essential for safe transfusion medicine.
A mystery that remained unsolved for more than five decades has now opened new possibilities for identifying rare blood types and protecting patients.
For medical laboratory professionals, every new blood group discovery is another step towards safer, more personalised transfusion care.
Source: University of Bristol — September 19, 2026
Research topic: Genetic basis of the AnWj antigen and establishment of the MAL blood group system.”
Stay updated with Hemostasis Today.
-
Oct 14, 2026, 18:20Yuria Ito: Does an MCV Below 100 Mean There Is No Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
-
Oct 14, 2026, 18:08Micheal Avoseh: Nanoparticle Research for Venous Thrombosis
-
Oct 14, 2026, 18:00A Decade of Symptoms Before a Rare Disease Diagnosis – ITP Support Association
-
Oct 14, 2026, 17:52David McIntosh: The Global Blood Shortage and the Need for Sustainable Donor Recruitment
-
Oct 14, 2026, 17:41Emmanuel J Favaloro։ October 13 is World Thrombosis Day
-
Oct 14, 2026, 17:24EHC ERIN Webinar on Fibrinogen Disorders
-
Oct 14, 2026, 16:50Peter Kouides: The Role of Multidisciplinary Networks in Women’s Hematologic Care
-
Oct 14, 2026, 16:35Thaís Leonel: Analytical Consistency as a Foundation for Evidence-Based Thrombosis Management
-
Oct 14, 2026, 16:28Christina Yiangou: Presenting the HemaFAIR Project at ASCAT 2026 in London