A response from the Blood Donor Group doctor:
Thank you for your e-mail and your interesting query.
You will be someone who is typed as a weak D. D (known as the Rhesus type)
is usually strongly typed as positive or negative. However, some people like
yourself possess a weak D and, in these cases, as a patient they will be
grouped as Rhesus negative as they must receive RhD negative blood and
components. However, as a donor, that person must be considered as a RhD
positive group because their weak D has the same potential to create
antibodies in a recipient as a strong RhD.
I am sorry if this sounds complicated but please be reassured that there is
no reason to be worried. For blood donation purposes you will appear as A
RhD positive as this is safe for patients. However, when you are a patient,
you will appear as RhD negative - just as you did in Egypt who were quite
correct.
Many thanks for your interest in blood donation
With very best wishes
Dr Elizabeth Anne Page
Associate Specialist
Donor Services
That makes me feel better
Will be in Hurghada on Saturday to try and do the next step towards getting my license!