• French researchers have discovered a new blood type called 'Gwada negative.'
• The woman is the only known carrier of this unique blood group.
• The discovery enhances the understanding of blood compatibility for transfusions.
• 'Gwada negative' is officially recognized as the 48th blood group system worldwide.

A French woman from Guadeloupe has been identified as the sole known carrier of a new blood type termed 'Gwada negative'. The announcement was made by France's blood supply agency, the French Blood Establishment (EFS), indicating this marks the 48th recognized blood group system globally. The international recognition of this discovery was achieved during a conference in Milan, per a statement from EFS on LinkedIn. Researchers had given attention to the case 15 years prior after the patient’s blood exhibited a "very unusual" antibody during routine pre-surgery tests, according to Le Monde, CBS News, and Newsweek.

The woman, 54 at the time of the initial detection, had undergone blood tests post-surgery request when compatibility issues arose due to the unidentified blood type. Thierry Peyrard, a medical biologist from EFS, expressed that she is “the only person in the world who is compatible with herself.” Genetic analysis indicated that she inherited this blood type from parents each carrying the same mutated gene, further solidifying the uniqueness of her condition, as reported by Le Monde and CBS News.

Over the years, researchers have found new blood groups via advancements in DNA sequencing technology. The EFS noted that this discovery provides an opportunity for improved care for patients with rare blood types and emphasized the importance of understanding blood compatibility, which has far-reaching implications for transfusions and medical procedures. EFS stated: “Discovering new blood groups means offering patients with rare blood types a better level of care,” according to Newsweek, Le Monde, and CBS News.