Objective:

In humans, 38 different critical blood type classification systems are currently recognized. They differ in frequencies in distinct populations. It is aimed to visualize ABO and Rh(D) groups distribution in Istanbul as having the largest community in Turkey.

Method:

Volunteered blood donor's data on the automation system were screened retrospectively. Blood donation acceptance criteria were based on the guidelines prepared by the Ministry of Health. ABO and Rh(D) groups were analyzed using column agglutination/gel centrifugation methods.

Results:

The study covered six years' data between the dates of January 2014 and December 2019, including 136,231 donors. The majority of the donors were found to have blood group A with a frequency of 41.88%(n=57,059). The second most common blood group was group O, and had a frequency of 34.92%(n=47,576). The blood group B (n=20,790;15.26%) and group AB (n=10,806;7.93%) were found to be the rare encountered blood groups. Among the Rh(D) group, 85.02% of the donors were Rh(D) positive.

Conclusion:

In transfusion medicine, ABO and Rh(D) groups' compatibility is mandatory. According to the monthly and or annual blood products requirement, there are some suggested quantities of blood units to be available at blood centres. Determining the frequency of blood group distribution of populations will help to coordinate the ratio of blood groups to be storaged. The Turkish genetic makeup is a fascinating mixture of European and Asian DNA, necessitates to find out the countries' specific ABO and Rh(D) groups ratio. We compared our results with the previously reported studies performed in different cities of Turkey and the world around. Thus, our research as giving the overall distribution of ABO and Rh(D) groups from the largest city of Turkey reflecting the general ethnic background of the country, would help to the establishment of a databank of ABO and Rh(D) group's ratio.

Keywords: ABO, Rh, blood group, blood donor, Turkey, Istanbul