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The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has become the first healthcare system in the world to provide a new blood group genotyping test for people with rare inherited blood disorders. From Monday (22 January), thousands of patients suffering from sickle cell disorder and thalassaemia will get access to the world-first 'blood matching' genetic test, which will help reduce their risk of transfusion side effects while offering more personalised care. In England, it is estimated that around 17,000 people are living with sickle cell disorder, with 250 new cases reported each year, and there are about 800 thalassaemia patients, with less than 50 new cases a year. Health Minister Andrea Leadsom said: "Thousands of people living with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia will be eligible for this new world-first blood test which is set to transform their care.