Analysis of ABO and Rh blood groups distribution in East Karadeniz region of Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Accurate knowledge on the distribution of blood groups in a region is useful for individuals in need and blood bank processes as well as such knowledge would provide scientific contribution. In this study, our ob­jective is to determine ABO and Rh blood groups distribu­tion in the Rize province. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis has been conducted on the data of 38,329 individuals applied to Blood Center of Rize Training and Research Hospital for blood group determination. The data collection period covers five years, between January 2005 and December 2010. Results: Our findings indicated that the frequencies of the blood groups were as following: Group O 44.07%, Group A 44.07%, Group B 9.26%, Group AB 2.60%, and Rh(+) 83.70% and Rh(-)16.30%. According to our knowledge, there is no prior study on distribution of blood groups in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. When compared to data throughout Turkey, it has been found out that the rate of blood group O is significantly higher, and the rates of blood groups B and AB are significantly lower. Conclusion: We believe that our results would contribute to database construction on distribution of blood groups.