Phenotype frequencies for red blood cell antigens are determined by testing blood samples from a large, random population of people with antibodies to selected antigens. It is essential that the people tested should all be of the same racial makeup.
The proportion of positive and negative reactions are calculated. Ideally the sum of phenotypic frequencies for a given antigen should equal 1.00 (100%).
Based on knowledge of the percentage of people in a uniform population who are positive and negative for a given antigen, it is possible to calculate the percentage of donors who will be compatible with a patient having an antibody to that antigen.
The ABO group consists of 4 main blood groups (and several subtypes):
(1) A
(2) AB
(3) B
(4) O
Phenotype Frequencies by Race
ABO Type
White
Black
American Indian
Oriental
A
0.40
0.27
0.16
0.28
AB
0.04
0.04
0.01
0.05
B
0.11
0.20
0.04
0.27
O
0.45
0.49
0.79
0.40
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