After fifty years of mystery, scientists at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) discovered a new blood group system called ‘MAL’. This solves the mystery related to the AnWj blood antigen identified in 1972.

The research team led by Louis Tilley also developed a genetic test to identify patients with blood lacking the AnWj antigen. The discovery could help patients with rare blood groups receive better care and find suitable blood donors. Louis Tilley has been working on this project for 20 years.

The new discovery is expected to help many rare blood group patients around the world. MAL is the 47th system of blood groups. Genotyping tests to identify individuals who are AnWj negative can reduce the risk of transfusing the patient.