Pattern of ABO and Rh-D Blood Group Distribution among Whole Blood Donors in a Teaching Hospital in North Central Nigeria

Background: Blood group distribution is a major factor in understanding blood donors' demographic characteristics and a key to developing a strategic plan to sustain viable blood transfusion services. This study aimed to determine the pattern and distribution of ABO and Rh-D blood group phenotypes among the blood donor population at our teaching hospital to support the development of a reliable blood transfusion service. Method: This prospective study targeted all blood donors who presented at the Jos University Teaching Hospital blood bank and during several external blood donor drives in places of worship and schools. Blood donor recruitment forms were administered to record biodata, and blood samples were collected in plain sample bottles for blood group checks and pre-donation screening. Results: A total of 3,980 whole blood donors were recruited for this study, with males dominating the donor population at 3,459 (86.9%), while female donors were 521 (13.1%). The O Rh-D positive blood group phenotype had the highest frequency of 2,690 (67.6%) followed by blood group B Rh-D positive, 563 (14.2%) and A Rh-D positive, 295(7.4%), while AB Rh-D negative had the lowest frequency of 8 (0.2%). Conclusion: ABO blood group O, Rh-D positive blood group phenotype was established as the most common blood group in our donor population while blood group AB Rh-D negative had the least frequency. This information will help the blood bank in organizing a more viable blood transfusion service.