What Blood Types Are the Universal Donor and Universal Recipient?
In the world of blood transfusions, not all blood types are created equal. One blood type is known as the universal donor because it can be given to anyone in need, regardless of their blood type. Another blood type is known as the universal recipient. Both have unique qualities; read on to learn more.
O-negative, the universal donor
O-negative (O-) blood type holds the rare distinction of being the universal donor, making it a crucial asset in emergency medicine.
O-negative blood is the only blood type that lacks A and B antigens and has no Rh factor (a protein attached to your blood that gives it the + or – designation after your blood type). This means it is compatible with all blood types and is least likely to cause a reaction when transfused.
It’s important that hospitals have O-negative blood on hand for emergencies when there might not be time to find out a patient’s blood type. Only 7% of the U.S. blood donor population has type O-negative blood, which is why people with this blood type are frequently asked to donate.
O-positive (O+) red blood cells can often be used in emergency situations as well. Type O-positive is one of the most common and most transfused blood types — 40% of the U.S. blood donor population has this blood type. O-positive donors can give blood products to all positive blood types (A+, B+, O+ and AB+), or most of the U.S. population.
If you are O-positive or O-negative, you can help the most patients by making a whole blood donation up to six times a year or double your donation impact in each sitting by making a Power Red donation up to three times a year.
AB-positive, the universal blood recipient
Just as there is a universal donor blood type, there is also a universal recipient blood type. AB-positive (AB+) blood type is the universal recipient. A person with type AB-positive blood can get a transfusion of any blood type.
People with type AB blood (positive and negative) are also universal donors — of plasma, the liquid portion of your blood. Plasma-only transfusions may be needed in emergency situations as well, especially when a patient suffers severe burns or massive blood loss.
AB-negative is the rarest blood type — only 1% of the U.S. blood donor population has this blood type. AB-positive blood type is also rare — only 4% of the U.S. blood donor population has type AB+ blood.
If you have an AB blood type, you can make the greatest impact on patients by donating plasma or platelets.
Patients need every blood type to always be available
O and AB blood types have unique qualities, but that doesn’t make the other blood types any less important. The best blood type for a transfusion is one that is an exact match for the patient or one that is compatible. Compatibility varies by blood type; see our chart here.
Most importantly, all blood types must be available when patients need them. It takes a few days to test and process your blood donations, and it’s the blood already on the shelves in a hospital’s supply that saves lives in emergencies.
That’s why it’s crucial to donate blood as often as possible and not wait until a tragedy occurs to head to a blood drive or donation center to give. Blood donations are especially needed in the summer and around major holidays.