(P-BC-28) Distribution of ABO and Rh(D) Blood Groups and Gene Frequencies Among 2024 Donors in a Hospital-Based Blood Donor Center in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Background/Case Studies: Accurate knowledge of ABO and Rh(D) blood group distribution and gene frequencies is essential for optimizing transfusion services, ensuring a compatible blood supply, and advancing population-based genetic studies. While blood group data is well documented in parts of Saudi Arabia, limited data exist from hospital-based donor centers in Dammam.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the phenotypic distribution of ABO and Rh(D) blood groups and estimate ABO allele frequencies among voluntary blood donors at a hospital-based blood donation center in Dammam. The data were collected during the calendar year 2024 and will support regional blood bank operations and population genetics research

Study

Design/Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on blood group records from 1,428 voluntary donors in 2024. Standard serological methods were used for blood typing. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Donor demographic information, including gender, was also analyzed.

Results/Findings: Of the 1,428 donors analyzed, the majority were male (n = 1,406; 98.5%), with only 21 female donors (1.5%), indicating a substantial gender disparity in donation rates. The most common blood group was O positive (670 donors; 46.9%), followed by A positive (315 donors; 22.1%) and B positive (260 donors; 18.2%). AB positive accounted for 39 donors (2.7%). Rh-negative groups included O negative (81 donors; 5.7%), A negative (35 donors; 2.5%), B negative (24 donors; 1.7%), and AB negative (3 donors; 0.2%). In total, 1,283 donors (89.9%) were Rh-positive and 145 (10.1%) were Rh-negative.

Estimated ABO allele frequencies were: O – 65.1%, A – 21.1%, and B – 13.8%. Genotypic estimates included homozygous OO at 42.4%, AA at 4.4%, and BB at 1.9%. Heterozygous genotypes were AO (27.5%), BO (18.0%), and AB (5.8%).

Conclusions: The predominance of O positive and Rh-positive blood groups reflects national and international trends. The pronounced gender imbalance among donors underscores the need for targeted strategies to encourage greater female participation in blood donation. These findings provide essential data to support transfusion planning, enhance donor diversity, and inform future genetic and epidemiological studies in Saudi Arabia.