Maitri Vaishnav/ LinkedIn
May 10, 2026, 18:04
Maitri Vaishnav: The Bombay Blood Group and the Critical Role of the H Antigen
Maitri Vaishnav, Student at C.U.Shah College of Pharmacy, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Bombay Blood Group (Oh)
Definition
The Bombay Blood Group (Oh) is a rare blood group in which the H antigen is absent on red blood cells (RBCs).
Introduction:
- Bombay blood group is a rare blood type.
- First discovered in Bombay (Mumbai), India in 1952.
- H antigen is responsible for formation of ABO blood groups.
- In Bombay phenotype (Oh), H antigen is absent on RBCs.
- Individuals produce Anti-H antibody.
- They can donate blood only to other Bombay blood group individuals.
Genetics:
- ABH gene is located on chromosome 9.
- H gene (FUT1) is required for H antigen formation.
- In Bombay group, FUT1 gene is inactive (hh).
- Genotype of Bombay phenotype (Oh) is hh.
Antigen & Antibody:
- Normal individuals (H present) don’t have Anti-H antibody
- Bombay individuals (H absent) have Anti-H antibody present
Formation of H Antigen:
- Precursor Substance
- Reduced (FUT1 Gene / H transferase)
- H Antigen
A Transferase presents as A Antigen
B Transferase presents as B Antigen
Without Transferase, H Antigen remains unchanged
Key Points:
- Bombay group is also called Oh group.
- Anti-H antibody is of IgM type.
- Anti-H is not neutralized by saliva or secretions because H antigen is absent.
- Important in blood transfusion and organ transplantation.
Importance:
- Essential for safe blood transfusion
- Helps identify rare blood groups
- Important in blood bank and serological studies
Use:
Used in transfusion medicine, blood banking, immunohematology, and compatibility testing for safe blood transfusions.”

Stay updated with Hemostasis Today.
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:45Victor Agunyego: Paracetamol – The Most Common Drug We Underestimate
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:42Nova Sinclair: Advancing the Future of Hematology – Meet Our 2027 Organizing Committee
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:41Lorenz Räber: Intracoronary Imaging in PCI – Why, When, How, and Which Modality?
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:31Selma Turkovic: Pleased to Deliver the Opening Presentation at Kingston Hospital
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:31Miguel Teran: Ultrasound and Simulation in Arterial Blood Sampling
-
Sep 29, 2026, 21:47Javed Anees: DADA2 – When a Young Stroke Is More Than a Stroke
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:28Mohammad Refaei: Navigating Your Career in Hematology From Training to Practice
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:27Matteo Foschi: 10 Clinical Pearls for Antithrombotic Therapy in Secondary Stroke Prevention
-
Sep 29, 2026, 22:26A Global Call for Action on Cardiovascular Health on World Heart Day – ISTH