The term "royal blood" is often associated with the Rh negative blood type.
Why is Rh Negative Blood Considered "Royal Blood"?
While not a scientific term, the "royal blood" association stems from the idea that Rh negative blood is relatively rare. According to the reference, Rh negative blood is considered special because:
- Universal Donors (in some cases): Rh negative blood can be safely given to both Rh positive and Rh negative recipients, as stated in the reference: "as an RH NEGATIVE, your blood can go into an RH Pos or an RH Neg recipient." This makes it more versatile in emergency situations.
Breakdown of Rh Factors
It's important to understand the Rh factor in blood types:
| Blood Type | Rh Factor |
|---|---|
| A+ | Rh Positive |
| A- | Rh Negative |
| B+ | Rh Positive |
| B- | Rh Negative |
| AB+ | Rh Positive |
| AB- | Rh Negative |
| O+ | Rh Positive |
| O- | Rh Negative |
Misconceptions and Reality
- Not Actually Royal: The idea of "royal blood" is not based on any scientific evidence or links to actual royal lineages. It is a common myth, likely driven by the rarity of the blood type and the sense of it being "special".
- Scientific Basis: The only unique attribute of Rh negative blood is its lack of the Rh protein. This affects blood donation and compatibility.
- Rarity: While less common than Rh positive blood, it's still found across different populations.
Conclusion
The designation of "royal blood" to Rh negative blood is a popular misconception. It is based on its relative rarity and versatility in blood transfusions rather than any real connection to royalty.
