Blood types are determined by proteins present on the surface of red blood cells. While ABO and Rh are widely known, scientists continue to uncover additional blood groups with clinical significance. A collaborative research team from the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has recently identified a new blood group system named Er, solving a 30-year mystery in transfusion medicine. Three-Decade Mystery Unraveled The International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) of NHSBT and Bristol’s School of Biochemistry spearheaded an international effort to investigate three antigens that had defied classification for decades. The high incidence red cell antigen … Continue reading Scientists Identify Er as New Blood Group System: Piezo1 Protein Mystery Solved