Introduction: The ABO system is the most important blood group system in transfusion therapy and was the first blood group system to be discovered. In modern medicine, the need for blood group frequency and prevalence study is multipurpose as besides that importance in evolution, their relation to disease and environment is being increasingly important. Knowledge of the distribution of pattern of different blood groups is very crucial for blood centre and blood transfusion services which are significantly contribute to the health system of the nation and to maintain donor registry. Aim: The study is aimed to know the frequency of ABO and Rh blood group in a population of western Maharashtra, India which is essential for effective management of blood inventory and to maintain blood donor registry. Material and method: The present study was conducted at Government Medical College and Hospital Blood Centre, Miraj. A total of 13858 blood donors were selected and accepted for blood donation as per blood Donor selection guidelines of Drug and cosmetics Act ,1940. Result: Out of 13858 donors, 13440 (96.98%) were males and 418 (3.02%) were females. The majority of donors belong to the age group 30 to 40 years. The commonest A B O group present was B+ 29.55% followed by O+ 28.33% followed by A + 27.48% and AB + 9.54% while 13155( 94.92% )donors were Rh Positive and 698 ( 5.03%) donors were Rh Negative. Conclusion: Knowledge of the distribution of pattern of different blood groups is very crucial for blood centers and blood transfusion services which are significantly contribute to the health system of the nation. Blood group distribution is important for clinical studies geographical information and forensic studies in general population. It also helps to maintain donor registry which is useful in blood crisis.
