Iran Among 30 Countries With Technology to Preserve Rare Blood Types

Iran is among a limited number of countries capable of preserving rare blood types for extended periods, IBTO Chief Executive Ahmad Gharehbaghian said.

Gharehbaghian explained that rare blood types are those found in only a very small proportion of the population. They are classified into three categories: rare, very rare and extremely rare.

The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization identifies people with these blood types, collects their blood and preserves it through freezing. Scientific publications indicate that frozen rare blood can be stored for between 10 and 30 years.

“Documentation indicates that even blood stored in a frozen state for over 20 years remains suitable for use,” Gharehbaghian said.

He stressed that maintaining adequate reserves of rare blood requires continuous efforts. People with rare blood types are identified through various methods and invited to donate at blood transfusion centers, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as other donors.

Eligible donors can give blood up to four times a year, helping ensure that supplies of these vital and difficult-to-replace blood types remain available when needed.