In a historic medical development, researchers have identified a previously unknown blood antigen in a 38-year-old woman from Kolar district, Karnataka. Admitted for cardiac surgery, the woman—initially classified as O Rh+, the most common blood group—shocked doctors when none of the available O-positive donor units matched her blood. This unexpected incompatibility triggered a deeper investigation.
Local Experts Escalate the Case for Global Analysis
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the hospital referred her case to the Advanced Immunohematology Reference Laboratory at Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre. “Our serological tests showed that her blood was ‘panreactive’, meaning it reacted with all donor samples,” explained Dr. Ankit Mathur from the Centre. With no compatibility found even among 20 family members, doctors made the critical decision to proceed with surgery without a transfusion. Fortunately, the procedure was successful.
Her blood samples were then sent to the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) in Bristol, UK, for advanced analysis.
Discovery of CRIB Antigen Confirmed After Ten Months
After nearly a year of intensive molecular testing, international scientists at IBGRL made a landmark discovery—a completely new antigen within the Cromer (CR) blood group system. They officially named it CRIB, combining “CR” for Cromer and “IB” for India, Bangalore, where the patient resides.
As reported by TOI, the discovery was formally announced at the 35th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) held in Milan, Italy, in June 2025. This makes the woman the first confirmed individual in the world with the CRIB antigen.
Rotary Centre Launches Rare Donor Registry
To strengthen future support for individuals with rare blood types, the Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre, in collaboration with Karnataka State Blood Transfusion Council and IIH (ICMR, Mumbai), has launched a Rare Donor Registry. The initiative has also gained support from the International Society of Blood Transfusion.
“This discovery adds to India’s growing contribution to rare blood research. We’ve previously handled cases involving Rh null and In b negative blood types, all documented and shared internationally,” said Dr. Mathur.
Global Significance for Transfusion and Transplant Medicine
Identifying rare blood antigens like CRIB marks a major advancement in transfusion medicine. It enhances safety protocols, improves donor-recipient matching, and significantly reduces risks during emergency transfusions, organ transplants, and complex surgeries. Furthermore, it sets the stage for developing better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies tailored to rare blood groups.
India Emerges as a Global Leader in Blood Group Research
With this groundbreaking discovery, India solidifies its position as a global contributor to immunohematology. The CRIB antigen discovery not only expands the scientific understanding of blood group systems but also improves healthcare outcomes by strengthening transfusion safety and promoting international collaboration.