Rh- vs. Rh null

Rhnull individuals have no Rh antigens (no Rh or RhAG) on their red blood cells. This rare condition has been called “Golden Blood”. As a consequence of Rh antigen absence, Rhnull red blood cells also lack LW and Fy5 and show weak expression of S, s, and U antigens. Red blood cells lacking Rh/RhAG proteins have structural abnormalities (such as stomatocytosis) and cell membrane defects that can result in hemolytic anemia. Only 43 individuals have been reported to have it worldwide. Only 9 active donors have been reported. Its properties make it attractive in numerous medical applications, but scarcity makes it expensive to transport and acquire.