What blood type is Rh-positive blood?

Humans have numerous blood types—some are very common, while others are extremely rare. So, what exactly is Rh-positive blood?

What is Rh-positive blood?

Rh-positive blood is actually a relatively common blood type—not rare, as the preceding sentence incorrectly states. Scientists discovered that a specific antigen found on the surface of rhesus monkeys (hence “Rh”) is identical to an antigen present on human red blood cells. In general—and particularly among the Han Chinese population—over 90% of individuals are Rh-positive, while only about 1 in 10 (i.e., ~10%) are Rh-negative—a comparatively rare occurrence. However, among certain ethnic minority groups in China, the prevalence of Rh-negative blood may reach up to 10%, and in Western populations, it may be as high as approximately 20%.

The Rh blood group system is another method used to classify blood types—similar to the ABO system—but based on different antigens. Just as automobiles can be categorized in multiple ways—e.g., manual vs. automatic transmission, imported vs. domestic, sedan vs. SUV—blood types can also be subdivided. For instance, individuals with type A blood can be either Rh-positive or Rh-negative; likewise for type B and type O blood.

The vast majority of people are Rh-positive; only a small fraction are Rh-negative—colloquially referred to in China as “panda blood” due to its rarity. There is no “best” or “worst” blood type; perceptions vary among individuals. For example, people with type O blood may consider it superior because type O-negative blood is universally compatible for emergency transfusions (i.e., it can be safely given to recipients of any ABO/Rh blood type). Conversely, individuals with type AB blood can receive red blood cells from any ABO/Rh type in emergencies, leading some to regard AB as advantageous. Ultimately, there’s no need to worry—what matters most is maintaining good health. We hope this explanation has been helpful!