Which department should I visit for Rh-negative blood antibody testing?
Disease description:
I have a friend with Rh-negative blood (colloquially known as “panda blood”). He recently plans to visit the hospital to test for antibodies. Which department should he register with for antibody testing?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Man
Departments where “panda blood” (Rh-negative) antibody testing is available include the Blood Transfusion Department, among others. Humans have numerous blood group systems, of which the ABO and Rh systems are the most clinically significant. In China, the vast majority of individuals are Rh-positive, while only a small proportion are Rh-negative. Due to its rarity, Rh-negative blood is colloquially termed “panda blood.” Because Rh-negative individuals are relatively few in number, Rh-negative blood products are correspondingly scarce; thus, suitable blood for transfusion may not always be readily available when needed. Antibody screening for the Rh blood group system is typically performed in departments such as Obstetrics, the Blood Transfusion Department, Hematology, and General Internal Medicine.
