ABSTRACT
Objective: A retrospective study was conducted at Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary, Karnataka and licensed private blood-banks in Bellary over a period of one year from 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013 to determine and compare the frequency of ABO and Rh blood groups in and around Bellary. Results: The study showed that the ‘B’ blood group formed the most common with 35.48% followed by ‘O’ blood group with 34.33%. ‘AB’ blood group was the least common with 8.49%. This was in contrast to studies done in South Karnataka, which showed ‘O’ blood group as most common followed by ‘B’ blood group. Conclusion: The study depicts the frequency occurrence of different blood groups among the people in and around Bellary and helps to prepare a database for the blood banks and also to create awareness about which blood groups should be stored and given importance. So, it is advisable to do blood grouping studies in each region for drafting proper national transfusion policies and supplying blood to the needy patients during emergency.