Do Blood Types Change Over Time: Medical Reasons Explained

Blood types in the human body generally remain the same throughout your lifetime and your genetics determines it. Depending on special markers called antigens, there are 8 types of blood found in humans.

However, there are certain causes which may lead to a change in the type of blood in the human body. They include the transfer of bone marrow, blood transfusions, bacterial infections, etc.

Also, in rare medical conditions, blood types may change in individuals. If you are looking for an answer to do blood types change, read through this blog and learn about blood types in detail and the causes that may result in a change.

A Brief on Blood Types in Human Bodies

Blood in human bodies usually has the same basic components, but they are different when it comes to their type. Doctors generally test one's blood to determine the type of blood they have, especially during medical procedures like blood transfusions and for other purposes.

In the red blood cells of your blood, there reside antigens or special markers which determine their types. To focus on its types, you must know that there are 4 main blood types, which are A, B, AB and O.

Doctors or specialists of a blood bank also look for a protein in your blood cells named ‘Rh factor’. It determines your blood as a positive or ’+’ if this factor is present in your blood, or negative or ’-’ if it is not there. Thus, combined with types and the Rh factor, there are 8 common types of blood found in humans, which are:

1. A positive (A+)

2. A negative (A-)

3. B positive (B+)

4. B negative (B-)

5. O positive (O+)

6. O negative (O-)

7. AB positive (AB+)

8. AB negative (AB-)

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Causes That Lead to a Change in Blood Types

As you have one of the aforementioned blood types, note that you inherited that type from your parents, meaning it is passed down genetically. For most cases, it stays intact throughout your life, but due to medical procedures and other causes, it may change.

Here is a detailed view of probable causes as an answer to your question about do blood types change:

Transfusion of Blood

In case a person experiences a severe blood loss and therefore needs a large volume of blood transfusion, their blood type, for a short term, may reflect the type of blood they have received. For example, suppose a patient with AB blood group receives an adequate amount of blood belonging to the 'O' group.

Here, the patient’s blood may reflect an ‘O’ type temporarily, but in a shorter period, once their body replenishes its blood, the original type returns.

Transplant of Bone Marrow

Another medical reason behind the question does blood group change is a bone marrow transplant. It is because bone marrow in the human body produces red and white blood cells, platelets, etc. For example, patients with medical conditions such as leukaemia may go through a bone marrow transplant.

Here, the bone marrow (healthy one) of the donor replaces the bone marrow of the patient. Now, if the patient and the donor have different blood types, upon a successful transplant, the patient’s blood type might shift to the donor’s type.

Also Read: Health Insurance Coverage for Bone Marrow Transplants

Bacterial Infection

To answer your query on do blood types change, note that bacterial infection, in extremely rare cases, may lead to a change in blood type. It is because certain bacteria produce enough enzymes capable of altering the structure of the antigens in the blood at a molecular level. For example, there are certain infections found in the intestines which can convert A type of blood into a type resembling B.

Treatments like blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants or hospitalisation due to severe infections can be financially demanding without proper coverage. That’s why it’s wise to stay financially prepared.

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Rare Medical Conditions Changing Blood Types

Certain rare medical conditions and disorders can disrupt normal blood cell formation or alter antigen expression, leading to changes in how blood types are identified.

In addition to the causes mentioned above, take a look at the following medical conditions, answering your question about can a blood type change.

Haematological Conditions

Certain blood-related conditions, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, leukaemia, etc., may impact the development of blood cells in a human's body or may impact normal bone marrow functions. It leads to an absent or weaker A, B or H antigens in red blood cells.

Due to the aforementioned conditions, immature blood cells replace healthy cells, which disrupts the natural formation of those antigens.

Acquired A or B Subgroups

As another answer to do blood types change, note that some infections or types of cancer may cause the appearance of a mixed blood group. It is identified as an 'Acquired A or B Subgroups'. Such a change is generally temporary and therefore is reversible as the underlying condition is cured.

PNH or Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria   

It is a rare condition of stem cells. In this condition, red blood cells usually lack certain surface proteins. It, in turn, leads to their premature destruction. It usually affects other markers or red cells instead of ABO antigens and hence complicates determining a blood type.

Also Read: Azotemia: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Final Word

If you are wondering do blood types change, you must first know that humans inherit a certain blood type genetically, which stays unchanged for their entire lifetime. However, due to medical treatments or rare conditions at the cellular level of blood, blood types in the human body may change, and some of them are temporary.

Given that such changes are often linked to serious medical treatments or conditions, having financial protection is crucial.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I confirm my blood type?

The ideal way to confirm your blood type is to take a medical test from a recognised institute. You may use at-home kits to learn your blood type, but they might not always provide a reliable reading. While donating blood, you can also learn your blood type as the respective blood bank generally provides a valid report.

What is the "Bombay Phenotype"?

It is a genetic trait, although very rare, where an individual usually lacks the H antigens, which are the building blocks for A and B types. While testing the blood types of such individuals may appear as an ‘O’ type. Such individuals can safely receive blood from individuals having the same phenotype. This is also called as the Bombay blood group.

Can a forward and reverse blood test show different results?

Yes, and as per the experts, such a discrepancy may occur due to different reasons. Type I discrepancy may occur due to missing or weak antibodies and Type II discrepancy may occur due to missing or weak antigens. While Type III may occur due to protein or plasma-related abnormalities, Type IV may occur due to miscellaneous reasons.

What is a golden blood type?

It is a rare type of blood found across the world and fewer than 50 people have it. This blood type is also referred to as the Rh null blood group, as there are no Rh antigens in their blood cells.

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